Gaethje plans to KO Ilia Topuria in New York.

The UFC lightweight division may have just been thrown into chaos once again—this time by the ever-entertaining Justin Gaethje, who has set his sights on newly crowned featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. In a callout that has fight fans buzzing, Gaethje boldly declared:

“I want to fight Ilia Topuria in my next fight. He’s a big name right now, and cocky. I’d like to knock him out this November at Madison Square Garden.”

Posted by LowKick MMA and shared via Austin Keen, this explosive statement doesn’t just stir the pot—it dumps gasoline on it.

The Violent Road to MSG: Gaethje vs Topuria?

While Gaethje typically targets top lightweights, this challenge to Topuria—a natural featherweight—adds an intriguing wrinkle. It signals a potential cross-divisional superfight between two of the UFC’s most dangerous and fan-favorite strikers. Madison Square Garden has played host to historic bouts in UFC lore, and Gaethje vs. Topuria could be next in line to electrify the New York crowd.

Both men are known for violence inside the Octagon. Gaethje, dubbed “The Highlight,” has made a career of throwing caution—and sometimes his own well-being—to the wind. His wars with Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Tony Ferguson are now legendary.

Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom, recently dismantled Alexander Volkanovski to become UFC featherweight champion. His speed, precision, and ruthless confidence have captured the attention of the MMA world—and evidently, they’ve also caught Gaethje’s eye.

Why This Callout Makes Sense (and Why It Doesn’t)

On paper, the matchup is unconventional. Gaethje fights at lightweight, and Topuria just became champion at 145 lbs. However, in today’s UFC, superfights are currency. If the demand is there, weight classes can bend—especially for MSG events in November, which are traditionally stacked with star power.

✅ Reasons It Works:

• Big Names: Gaethje and Topuria are both headline-worthy.

• Stylistic Fireworks: Two elite strikers with aggressive styles—this has Fight of the Year potential.

• Fan Appeal: Gaethje has one of the most loyal fanbases in MMA. Topuria is quickly building his own, especially in Europe and Latin America.

• MSG Stage: The UFC loves booking crossover fights in New York’s most iconic arena.

❌ Reasons It’s Complicated:

• Division Disruption: Gaethje is technically chasing lightweight gold. Topuria just won the featherweight belt and may be expected to defend.

• Timing: November is close, and both men would need time to train, negotiate, and build hype.

• Title Picture: Where does this leave contenders like Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, or Arman Tsarukyan?

Still, when Gaethje says he wants a fight, Dana White listens—and so do millions of fans.

Ilia Topuria’s Rise: Why He’s the Man to Beat

Gaethje’s comments speak volumes about how fast Ilia Topuria has risen through the ranks. From wildman prospect to the undisputed featherweight king, Topuria’s evolution has been both violent and calculated.

He’s 15-0, with wins over:

• Alexander Volkanovski (KO)

• Josh Emmett (dominant decision)

• Bryce Mitchell (submission)

• Ryan Hall (KO)

More than just results, Topuria exudes confidence. His social media presence, cocky interviews, and confrontational aura have made him a polarizing figure—but undeniably a star.

That confidence, however, may have invited a storm. Gaethje doesn’t like “cocky,” and he’s made that clear.

“He’s a big name right now, and cocky. I’d like to knock him out…”

This isn’t just a callout—it’s a statement of intent. Gaethje is one of the few fighters with the power, precision, and durability to match someone like Topuria. But even he knows this wouldn’t be easy.

Justin Gaethje’s Road Back to Glory

Following a brutal head-kick loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, Gaethje has been in a strange place career-wise. He held the symbolic BMF title, but with that loss, his lightweight title hopes took a hit.

Now, with Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, and others clogging up the 155-lb queue, Gaethje may be seeking a high-profile, high-reward detour—and Topuria fits the bill.

A win over the undefeated featherweight champ would:

• Instantly make Gaethje relevant again

• Put him back in title talks

• Offer a “redemption” narrative post-Holloway

In short, it’s a high-risk, high-reward move. But that’s always been Gaethje’s brand.

What Are the Chances This Fight Happens?

As of now, no official talks have been confirmed, but the idea is catching fire online. If UFC President Dana White sees traction, and if Topuria is game, it could happen under three potential scenarios:

1. Catchweight Fight at 150 or 155 lbs
   Allows both men to fight without compromising titles or rankings.

2. Topuria Moves to Lightweight for Good
   He’s hinted at it before. A Gaethje fight could be his official jump up.

3. Non-Title Main Event at MSG
   Gaethje vs. Topuria could headline or co-main a stacked card in NYC.

The UFC loves momentum. And Gaethje calling out Topuria just created it.

How Would the Fight Play Out?

It’s early, but on paper, this is fireworks from the opening bell. Both men bring:

• KO power

• Forward pressure

• Elite fight IQ

• Chin-tested toughness

Gaethje has more experience in five-round wars. Topuria is younger, faster, and arguably more well-rounded. The question is: can Topuria take the kind of punishment Gaethje delivers? And can Gaethje handle Topuria’s slick counters and speed?

Whichever way it unfolds, it’s a guaranteed barnburner.

Final Thoughts: A Callout That Could Shape the UFC’s Fall

With one statement, Justin Gaethje may have reshaped the narrative of the UFC’s fall season:

“I want to fight Ilia Topuria… I’d like to knock him out this November at Madison Square Garden.”

This isn’t just a bold move—it’s a headline grabber, a fan fantasy, and a potential fight-of-the-year contender all rolled into one.

Now, the ball is in Topuria’s court. Will the confident champ take the bait? Will Dana White make the match? And will MSG witness yet another unforgettable war?

Stay tuned. Because if this goes from words to contract, we’re looking at one of the most exciting matchups of the year.

New York, November. Gaethje vs. Topuria. Let the violence begin.