When Will Gaethje vs Topuria Happen? Justin Gaethje Surprises with Time and Scenario Reveal

The UFC lightweight division is heating up once again, and Justin Gaethje is right at the center of the storm. Known for his thrilling wars inside the octagon, Gaethje is now eyeing the biggest prize in his career: a shot at newly crowned UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria.

After Topuria’s stunning first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the division has a fresh new king, and Gaethje believes it’s his time to challenge for the throne. But as always with Gaethje, he’s not mincing words about his intentions—or his timeline.

Justin Gaethje’s Burning Desire for UFC Gold

Justin Gaethje, a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion and BMF titleholder, has been close to undisputed glory before. Twice, in fact. But both times, he fell short—first to Khabib Nurmagomedov, and later to Charles Oliveira. Now, Gaethje is determined to make his third shot count.

Having won three of his last four fights, including a dramatic victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, Gaethje feels he’s earned another crack at the belt. But what makes him truly dangerous is his sense of urgency.

In a blunt statement, Gaethje recently declared that he might retire if the UFC doesn’t give him a title shot next, signaling that this opportunity could be his last stand at the top.

Ilia Topuria’s Rise to Lightweight Supremacy

Ilia Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador,” shocked the world when he dispatched Charles Oliveira with a first-round knockout to claim the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 317.

Previously undefeated and carrying the momentum of victories over featherweight legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria’s lightweight debut was highly anticipated—and he delivered in spectacular fashion.

But surprisingly, after his win, Topuria did not call out Gaethje. Instead, he entertained the idea of matchups with Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan, leaving Gaethje on the sidelines.

Justin Gaethje: “I’d Love to Knock Him Out”

Speaking while surfing with Austin Keen just days before UFC 317, Gaethje didn’t hide his opinion of Topuria.

“Topuria is the big name right now. Cocky,” said Gaethje, acknowledging the champion’s pre-fight confidence.

But Gaethje, ever the action fighter, quickly added his own bold statement:

“I would love to knock him out.”

It’s exactly the kind of fight the UFC loves: an unstoppable new champion versus the sport’s most violent crowd-pleaser.

Madison Square Garden: The Dream Venue for Gaethje vs Topuria

Gaethje is already setting the stage for where and when he wants the clash to happen. His ideal timeline? November at Madison Square Garden, where the UFC traditionally holds a blockbuster card in the fall.

Gaethje has fond memories of MSG, having been part of the 2021 Fight of the Year when he went to war with Michael Chandler at UFC 268. Fighting in that iconic arena again for the undisputed title would be a full-circle moment for the Colorado native.

The Dangerous Case for Gaethje as Topuria’s Next Opponent

Topuria may not see Gaethje as a “legend,” but the former interim champ presents a serious challenge that the champion cannot ignore.

Gaethje’s devastating leg kicks, violent combinations, and brawler mentality could present stylistic problems for Topuria, who has yet to face a fighter with Gaethje’s specific brand of chaos.

Gaethje’s resume speaks for itself:

• KO victories over Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Edson Barboza, Michael Johnson, and others.

• Wars of attrition where Gaethje simply refused to quit, often breaking his opponents mentally and physically.

Ilia Topuria’s Fan-Favorite Streak Could Continue Against Gaethje

Topuria has built his reputation on taking out beloved fan favorites.

Consider his recent list of conquests:

• Max Holloway: KO’d in the second round.

• Alexander Volkanovski: KO’d in one of the biggest featherweight upsets ever.

• Charles Oliveira: Crushed in the first round at UFC 317.

Fighting and defeating Gaethje would add another fan-favorite name to his list and possibly cement Topuria’s four-fight streak as one of the most brutal in UFC title history.

Will Topuria Accept the Challenge?

As of now, Topuria’s camp has signaled that Gaethje is the closest contender to a title shot, despite the champion’s reluctance to embrace the fight publicly.

Given the UFC’s interest in big-money fights and crowd-pulling matchups, it seems inevitable that Topuria vs Gaethje will headline a pay-per-view event, possibly at UFC 321 in November.

Dana White and the UFC brass understand the excitement this matchup would generate. Gaethje’s reckless abandon against Topuria’s calculated aggression is a recipe for fight-of-the-year potential.

Why Gaethje Deserves the Shot

While Arman Tsarukyan and Mateusz Gamrot are highly ranked contenders, neither has the name value or proven drawing power of Gaethje.

Plus, Gaethje’s recent performances have been outstanding:

• A close war with Rafael Fiziev, showing both toughness and technical improvements.

• Knockout wins that have consistently delivered for the UFC’s highlight reels.

Gaethje remains the division’s most entertaining fighter, and the UFC knows his fights guarantee fireworks.

What Gaethje Must Do to Beat Topuria

If Gaethje gets the fight, his keys to victory are clear:

• Chop away with leg kicks early, a tactic we haven’t yet seen Topuria challenged with.

• Pressure and volume striking, forcing Topuria to fight at a chaotic pace.

• Stay disciplined defensively, avoiding the wild counters that Topuria used so effectively against Oliveira.

Gaethje has matured in recent years under coach Trevor Wittman, blending his brawler instincts with improved tactical awareness. This evolution makes him more dangerous than ever.

How Topuria Could Continue His Dominance

For Topuria, beating Gaethje would be another statement to the MMA world. The champion would likely:

• Look to counter Gaethje’s leg kicks with power punches, turning Gaethje’s aggression against him.

• Mix in wrestling if necessary, something Topuria has shown flashes of in previous fights.

• Stay patient and look for the opening—much like he did against Holloway and Oliveira.

If Topuria were to KO Gaethje, it would confirm his place as not only the best lightweight in the world but possibly the UFC’s most dangerous pound-for-pound finisher.

The Legacy Implications for Both Fighters

For Justin Gaethje, a win would finally secure the undisputed UFC lightweight title, erasing the heartbreak of his previous failed title bids. It would solidify his legacy as one of the most exciting champions in UFC history.

For Ilia Topuria, a victory over Gaethje would add another elite name to his resume and move him one step closer to GOAT conversations in the lightweight division.

This fight could be the defining moment for both men’s careers.

UFC Lightweight Division Heating Up

The lightweight division is arguably the most stacked in MMA. With names like Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Benoit Saint Denis all lurking in the background, whoever holds the title has a target on their back.

But for now, all eyes are on Topuria vs Gaethje, a battle of fire and fury waiting to happen.

Potential Fight Announcement Coming Soon?

Expect the UFC to make an official announcement in the coming weeks. Madison Square Garden in November fits the timeline, giving both fighters enough time for a full training camp.

If confirmed, UFC 321 at MSG could become one of the biggest cards of the year, with a lightweight title fight headlining and possibly another blockbuster bout on the co-main.

Conclusion: Will Gaethje’s Third Time Be the Charm?

Justin Gaethje has been brutally honest about his goals. He wants Ilia Topuria, he wants the lightweight belt, and he wants it at Madison Square Garden.

But standing in his way is a champion who has already taken down three of the division’s most beloved fighters, leaving destruction in his wake.

Will Gaethje finally achieve UFC gold, or will Ilia Topuria continue his ruthless reign over the lightweight division?