Justin Gaethje has brutal warning for whoever fights Ilia Topuria next

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje praised his former opponent Ilia Topuria, warning that anyone who faces Topuria next will face a dangerous matchup. Gaethje handed Topuria his first professional defeat in June at UFC Freedom 250, winning the lightweight title via a fourth-round corner stoppage. Speaking on the Double Coverage podcast, Gaethje affirmed that Topuria remains one of the premier fighters in the sport.

While rumors of a potential rematch between Gaethje and Topuria have surfaced, the lightweight division picture also includes Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan reinforced his standing as the division's top contender following a first-round knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19.