Justin Gaethje has claimed that Ilia Topuria was “very easy to predict” in their fight at the White House, as rumours swirl about a rematch.
In June, Gaethje handed Topuria his first loss by stopping the Spanish-Georgian in four rounds, when the pair headlined a remarkable UFC event on the South Lawn.
With that, Gaethje finally realised his dream of becoming undisputed lightweight champion, having carried the interim belt into the fight.
This week, commentator Jon Anik said he believes a rematch is the UFC’s likeliest next move, despite Gaethje’s previous claims that Topuria is undeserving.
Now, the American fighter has opened up on his victory over “El Matador”, telling UFC legend Demetrious Johnson that Topuria made “emotional mistakes” beforehand.
“I’m referring to the 12 weeks before the fight,” said Gaethje, 37, who recently said he will not fight again in 2026. “[He made] those emotional mistakes in preparation, and so he wasn’t prepared for what happened that night.
“And that’s his fault, because he didn’t think that it was possible for someone to be there with him for that long, or whatever it was. He forgot who he was and how dangerous this game is. Every fight is so individual and nothing matters.
“One of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made is trying to replicate a perfect performance the next time, and it takes away from the moment that is this moment. I guarantee that’s what he was trying to do – he was trying to replicate – that’s why he was having the same parties.”
Gaethje was referring to Topuria’s habit of celebrating victories in advance, by gathering with his friends and family for meals on the week of a fight.
Gaethje also explained how he was able to beat Topuria, 29, despite his own status as a huge underdog.
“I guess the best explanation for you to understand is: his feet never change rhythms,” Gaethje said. “He never changes rhythm with his feet. It’s always pop, pop, pop, pop, and it’s forwards or backwards. He’s very rarely moving lateral, and that’s how he fights.
“So ultimately, it’s about timing his feet and interrupting. The gameplan was to interrupt his feet, especially when it’s so constant. It’s very easy to predict, and I’ve never seen him alter from that, start to move lateral and start to not be forward or backwards.”
Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 at the White House as a two-weight champion. In early 2025, he gave up the featherweight belt to pursue lightweight gold, which he won by knocking out ex-champion Charles Oliveira last June.
Meanwhile, Gaethje was previously a two-time interim champion, with his second reign beginning in January, when he outpointed Paddy Pimblett in a largely one-sided fight.
