Gaethje’s manager says Justin Gaethje will make Ilia Topuria wrestle. A hypothetical showdown between UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and top contender Justin Gaethje isn’t finalised but the hype is heating up. Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently predicted that Topuria might avoid trading strikes, instead opting to wrestle in their potential matchup.
The MMA world is buzzing with speculation about a potential fight between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. While nothing has been signed, Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has already thrown fuel on the fire by predicting that the reigning lightweight champion will abandon his usual striking-heavy approach and resort to wrestling if the two ever meet inside the Octagon.
Justin Gaethje has one goal in mind these days and it is winning the UFC lightweight title. He’s been chasing that dream for years, and many feel this might be his best chance yet to make it happen. But if that opportunity comes, Ilia Topuria who recently defeated Oliveira with first hand TKO at UFC 317 will be standing across the cage, and the undefeated champion has no plans of letting go of his crown anytime soon.
At the moment, a Gaethje vs. Topuria clash is still just a fantasy. Nothing has been confirmed, but the excitement around this possible matchup is growing fast. Fans and even fighters are already imagining how it might go down. Before any official announcement, Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has already shared his thoughts on how this fight might play out and his take is pretty interesting.
“It’s a car crash (fight),” Abdelaziz said. “Whoever is gonna land first, is gonna go to sleep. This is my opinion. “I think Topuria might try to wrestle Justin, also,” Abdelaziz continued. “I think Justin Gaethje is way too dangerous to just stand in front of and throw punches. Justin is a very powerful striker, he’s very dangerous. Honestly, it’s one of the best fights you can make in the UFC.”
Despite all the talk, no official bout between Gaethje and Topuria has been announced. Speculation first sparked after a now-deleted Instagram post hinted that the fight could headline UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. However, Topuria’s management later dismissed these rumors, clarifying that there have been no negotiations and that the champion is currently engaged in general training rather than specific fight preparation.
Adding another layer to the drama, Ilia himself has publicly shown little interest in fighting Gaethje, labeling him “old school” and expressing a desire to face new challengers instead. Topuria even mentioned Paddy Pimblett as a more appealing opponent, suggesting that fans want fresh storylines rather than recycled matchups.
If the fight does happen, Abdelaziz’s claim might carry weight. Gaethje’s power and leg kicks have dismantled some of the division’s best strikers, forcing many opponents to change strategies. While Topuria is undefeated with knockout power of his own, standing in front of Gaethje is a dangerous game that few have played successfully.
