UFC Lightweight Division: No Rematch for Gaethje vs Topuria

Ali Abdelaziz has shut the door, at least for now, on one of the most talked‑about rematches in the UFC.

The manager of UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje insists Ilia Topuria is not next, despite growing noise that the promotion might immediately run back their June clash at UFC Freedom 250 – a night when Gaethje stunned many by pulling off a massive upset.

Speaking on Submission Radio, Abdelaziz cut through the speculation.

“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,” he said, leaving little room for interpretation.

No rematch. Not now. Maybe not ever, if Abdelaziz gets his way.

Tsarukyan’s Moment?

With Topuria seemingly pushed out of the immediate picture, a different name surges to the front of the title queue: Arman Tsarukyan.

The Armenian-Russian contender has been hammering on the door for a long time. Six straight wins. Momentum building. And his latest performance left a mark – a brutal first‑round KO of Mauricio Ruffy in the co‑main event of UFC 331, the kind of finish that forces matchmakers to take notice.

On merit, the case is clear. Tsarukyan has stitched together the type of run that usually earns a lightweight title shot, especially in a division where consistency is rare and highlight‑reel endings matter. His destruction of Ruffy only sharpened the argument: if not now, when?

The UFC, of course, doesn’t always follow the rankings or the purist’s idea of sporting justice. Star power, timing, and business all play their part. But ignoring Tsarukyan at this point would stretch credibility. With Gaethje holding the belt and Topuria apparently out of the immediate frame, the path for Tsarukyan has never looked more open.

There is, however, one reality Abdelaziz himself acknowledged without saying it outright: his stance is only one voice in a much bigger machine. The UFC will decide where the belt goes next. If the promotion smells unfinished business between Gaethje and Topuria and wants to cash in on it, the rematch can be booked with a single call.

For now, though, the message from Gaethje’s camp is blunt. No Topuria 2. Which leaves a simple, burning question for the lightweight division:

Is this finally Arman Tsarukyan’s shot?