Justin Gaethje has expressed his feelings about a potential fight with Ilia Topuria, admitting he would find the prospect both thrilling and intimidating. Gaethje, who is set to face Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC lightweight title on January 24, 2024, has acknowledged the challenge posed by Topuria, the current champion, who is on a remarkable knockout streak. The upcoming bout is critical for both fighters, as the winner is expected to challenge Topuria in a title unification match later in 2026.
In a candid interview with ESPN Deportes, Gaethje discussed the mental aspects of preparing for a fight against Topuria, who has recently secured a string of impressive victories. “I have to trust my intuition, I have to trust my ability to judge distance and time,” Gaethje stated. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, saying, “This sport is so crazy, anything can happen. There’s a reason why we’re all on the edge of our seats every fight.”
Gaethje noted that Topuria’s striking combinations, particularly his right hand and left hook, pose significant risks. “His two-three [right hand into left hook] is one of the best combinations I’ve seen in this sport, and so it’s a beautiful challenge. And I love how scared I’ll be,” he remarked. This admission underscores the respect Gaethje has for his potential opponent, who has emerged as a dominant force in the lightweight division.
Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title in June 2024 by knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira in the first round. Prior to that, Topuria defended his featherweight title with knockout victories over other high-profile fighters, including Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. The Spanish-Georgian fighter vacated the featherweight belt before moving up to challenge Oliveira, marking a significant transition in his career.
Gaethje will enter his match against Pimblett with a one-fight win streak, having previously outpointed Rafael Fiziev in March 2024. His recent performance came after a setback against Holloway, where he was knocked out in the final second of their bout. This upcoming clash will mark Gaethje’s sixth title fight in the UFC, with a record of 2-3 in such high-stakes encounters. Notably, he previously won the interim lightweight title in 2020 against Tony Ferguson but failed to unify the titles against then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
For Pimblett, this fight represents his first opportunity to compete for a UFC championship. The stakes are high for both fighters as they prepare to make their mark in the octagon. The outcome of the Gaethje vs. Pimblett bout will not only determine the interim champion but also set the stage for a potential showdown with Topuria, further elevating the competitive landscape of the UFC lightweight division.
As the fight date approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas, where Gaethje and Pimblett will face off in a contest that promises to deliver excitement and drama, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the sport. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable, as fans eagerly await to see who will emerge victorious and earn the right to challenge Topuria for the unified title.
