As the wait for Ilia Topuria’s next matchup goes on, one UFC star has thrown his support behind Justin Gaethje’s claim to the shot.
Talk of who could be the first to challenge the new lightweight king has persisted ever since Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to achieve two-division glory.
Topuria’s face-off with Paddy Pimblett appeared to give the Scouser the edge, but a retirement threat from Justin Gaethje and the belief of many that Arman Tsarukyan is the most deserving contender have left things up in the air.
A number of prominent names have revealed their stance on the topic, with Islam Makhachev among those backing Tsarukyan and Michael Bisping picking Pimblett as Topuria’s logical challenger. One UFC fighter has now put his support behind ‘The Highlight’.
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Michael Chiesa wants to see Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje next
During a recent appearance on The Bohnfire podcast, hosted by Mike Bohn, welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa gave his thoughts on the title picture in the division he formerly competed in.
While Gaethje’s UFC 300 loss to Max Holloway in 2024 has been cited by those pushing back on the American’s plan to challenge Topuria next, ‘Maverick’ does not think that should count against the former interim champion.
And given what ‘The Highlight’ has given to the sport and the promotion, Chiesa thinks it’s only right for Gaethje to be given one last shot at the undisputed crown.
“There are some people saying it’s gonna be Paddy,” Chiesa said. “I’ve heard it could be Paddy and I’ve heard it could be Justin.
“For me, as a fighter…a big part of me feels like, you know what? Give Justin Gaethje the title fight. Because we only have him (for a little while) longer.
“He took a huge chance when he fought Max,” Chiesa continued. “Whether they (the UFC) promised him something or not…nobody knows the truth except for Justin.
“But you know what? Just give the guy the fight. He earned it. He has earned it in blood, he has earned it through his efforts, through all he has given us and left us. He has given us things he will never get back.
“Just give him the fight…the Paddy fight’s always gonna be there because those guys have youth on their side. Justin Gaethje doesn’t,” Chiesa concluded.
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Ilia Topuria currently has his focus on Terence Crawford
As the wait for his next opponent in the cage goes on, Topuria has been putting his energy into a developing feud away from the UFC.
Both before and after Terence Crawford’s win over Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super middleweight champion, ‘El Matador’ has had his sights on ‘Bud’.
The Spaniard sparked talk of that crossover fight with a bold prediction, as Topuria claimed he would quickly knock out Crawford in the squared circle.
“I won’t talk about what would happen between me and Crawford in an octagon, I’ll talk about what would happen in a ring,” Topuria wrote on X. “I put him to sleep in the first contact!”