Israel Adesanya advises Topuria to take a different path back to the lightweight title rather than rushing into an immediate rematch with UFC champion Justin Gaethje.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya knows exactly what it feels like to suffer a painful loss and jump straight back into a high-pressure rematch. That experience is why he believes Ilia Topuria should think carefully about his next move.
Topuria recently announced that he has been medically cleared to return after his fourth-round stoppage loss to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. While many fans have called for an immediate rematch, Adesanya believes another fight first could be the smarter option.
Speaking on the Precision podcast, Adesanya advises Topuria to rebuild momentum before pursuing another title shot.
“Ilia said he’s just cleared to fight recently, so he could probably fight,” Adesanya said. “I think he should fight around the same time or right before. I think this year, December is good.
“Ilia is still a big name. I’m not going by what the internet says. I was trying to think, is it good for him to just wait and get an immediate title shot?”
After losing the middleweight title to Pereira at UFC 281, Adesanya received an immediate rematch and reclaimed the belt with a knockout victory at UFC 287. However, he believes Topuria’s circumstances are different.
“After a beating like that—because again, I’ve been on the receiving end of one of them—you have to realize, OK, how can I come back from this?” Adesanya said. “Because I know how it is as a fighter when you take an L and you feel like, ‘Man.’
“Best way I can say it is Pereira. I went back straight away because I already had an immediate rematch clause or whatever. I don’t know if Ilia has that, but I’d advise him not to take it with Justin.
“I think getting another win before cracking the title shot again would be best for him.”
Topuria entered his fight against Gaethje as a heavy favorite after capturing titles in two weight classes and scoring statement victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
However, Gaethje weathered an early storm and took control of the fight, landing significant damage over four rounds before Topuria’s corner stopped the contest.
While Adesanya advises Topuria to take another fight first, he believes there is a clear contender who deserves the next crack at the lightweight title.
According to the former champion, Arman Tsarukyan has earned the opportunity after his recent knockout win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331.
“I think Arman’s next,” Adesanya said. “He and Justin Gaethje have to be the next fight. Who else? September, October, that could happen this year. If they’re already booked out, January. They could do that in January.”
Tsarukyan has now won 11 of his last 12 fights and remains the top-ranked contender at lightweight.
As for Topuria, the former two-division champion appears eager to return as soon as possible. But if Adesanya’s advice carries any weight, fans may see “El Matador” take one more fight before making another run at UFC gold.
