UFC Lightweight Title: Gaethje vs Topuria Rematch Off, Tsarukyan's Chance

Ali Abdelaziz has poured cold water on talk of an immediate rematch between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, insisting the new UFC lightweight champion is moving on – at least for now.

Rumors had gathered pace that the UFC might run back their June clash at UFC Freedom 250, where Gaethje stunned Topuria in a seismic upset to claim the belt. The narrative was simple: controversial loss, big star, instant sequel. Abdelaziz says that script is wrong.

Speaking to Submission Radio, Gaethje’s manager was blunt.

“He’s not fighting Justin Gaethje next… I believe Justin Gaethje will beat him nine out of 10 time. You know why? Justin have his number… this fight will never happen. I can tell you this,” Abdelaziz said.

Strong words. A definitive line in the sand from the man who handles the champion’s career. Whether the “never” holds up in a sport built on short memories and big paydays is another matter, but for the immediate future, Topuria is out of the picture.

And that changes everything at lightweight.

Tsarukyan’s Window Opens

If Gaethje–Topuria 2 is off the table, the path suddenly looks clear for Arman Tsarukyan, the man many believe has been circling a title shot for far too long.

Tsarukyan is coming off a ruthless first-round KO of Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331, a finish that underlined the form he’s been riding. Six straight wins. Momentum, violence, consistency – the kind of résumé that usually screams “next in line” in a merit-based world.

The UFC is not always that world.

Matchmaking in this promotion often bends toward star power, storylines, and timing. But Tsarukyan’s case is becoming difficult to ignore. A six-fight streak capped by a brutal knockout on a big stage is exactly the sort of run that, in most divisions, locks in a title shot.

Here, it only makes the argument unavoidable.

If Abdelaziz is right and Gaethje isn’t running it back with Topuria next, the most logical name left is Tsarukyan. Stylistically, it’s a compelling clash. Politically, it’s clean. Sportingly, it’s overdue.

UFC Holds the Final Card

Abdelaziz can posture. He can lobby. He can shut down talk of a Topuria rematch from his side. What he cannot do is sign the bout agreements.

“It will not be his decision” is the reality behind his bravado. The UFC will ultimately decide whether to chase the quick money of a rematch or reward the grinding ascent of a contender who has done everything asked of him.

If the promotion leans into chaos and box-office heat, Gaethje–Topuria 2 could still materialize in spite of Abdelaziz’s stance. If it leans into merit, Arman Tsarukyan finally walks into a title fight he has been building toward for years.

One thing is certain: with the champion’s manager publicly closing the door on Topuria, even if only for now, the lightweight belt is no longer tied to one obvious narrative. It’s sitting there, waiting to see whether the UFC chooses star power or the man who has fought his way, brutally and relentlessly, to the front of the line.