Justin Gaethje has his eyes set on a new challenge, and it has fight fans cheering. The former interim lightweight champion is calling out Ilia Topuria, who has newly become the featherweight kingpin, for a showdown this November and with relentless aggression, Gaethje isn’t just wanting another win, but he’s aiming to get a statement knockout, and he believes Topuria is the perfect challenger to make that happen.
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Motivation:
Gaethje’s motivation for this forceful callout is layered. First and foremost, he sees Topuria as a “big name” in the current fight landscape. The Spaniard has been riding a wave of hype following his superior victory over Alexander Volkanovski, which got him the featherweight title. For Gaethje, fighting someone with that kind of state adds both prestige as well as risk, two ingredients that raise his fighting spirit. He’s never been one to shy away from a war, and the challenge of halting Topuria’s rise rouses him.
“Cocky” jab:
But there’s more to it. Gaethje, never known for copying words, took a fine jab at Topuria’s confidence, calling him “cocky” and suggesting that he’s been journey on a bit too much self-belief. To Gaethje, that makes him an even more appealing target. “Cocky guys get humbled,” he recently said in an interview. “And I’m the guy to do it.” This isn’t trash talk for the promotion; there’s a genuine in Gaethje’s tone, a sign that he’s not only interested in a fight but in making a lasting impact.
“Big name” appeal:
Adding to the appeal is Gaethje’s want for a knockout, a true fame finish in front of the MSG crowd. After suffering a hard head-kick KO at the hands of Max Holloway earlier this year, he wants to get back on track. That loss didn’t just knock him out physically; it shook his standing in the lightweight division. A good finish over a hot name like Topuria would be a massive comeback statement and a reaffirmation of Gaethje’s place among the UFC elite.
Gaethje’s Desire for a knockout.
There are, however, some real difficulties that can stop this matchup from materialising. Most obviously, the weight class difference. Gaethje fights at 155 pounds, while Topuria reigns at 145. May Topuria be willing to move up for a non-title fight, or may Gaethje attempt a dangerous weight cut to make featherweight? The UFC typically doesn’t book cross-divisional fights unless there’s a belt or big storyline on the line, and this may fall just low of that threshold.
Challenges:
Another challenge is timing and logistics. November at Madison Square Garden is already making up to be a card, and both fighters may need a clean training camp and a challenging narrative to get a place on such a premium event. There’s also the matter of divisional. Topuria may have challengers like Movsar Evloev or Max Holloway breathing down his neck for a title shot, while Gaethje can be forced to face someone like Arman Tsarukyan or Mateusz Gamrot before coming into the title picture.
Still, even with the difficulties, there’s no defeating the fan request of this possible fight. Stylistically, it’s a dream matchup. Gaethje’s serious, powerful leg kicks and knockout power versus Topuria’s slick boxing, counter-striking, and iron mindset may make for war. It’s the kind of fight that doesn’t need a belt to matter, but it’s a pure guess, tailor-made for the bright lights of MSG.
Fan Excitement:
Fans are already getting meeting and social media with excitement over the idea. It’s rare to find two fighters with such distinct styles and an explosive willingness to meet in the middle. And with both men known for delivering fireworks, the promise of a Fight of the Year candidate is large.
Even though the UFC can or will pull the to be seen. But if it does come together, Gaethje vs. Topuria at Madison Square Garden can be one of the most electric matchups of the year.
Aditya Khare 
Vijay Suyal