Ilia Topuria could step right back into another title fight Justin Gaethjeif what John Anick is hearing through the grapevine true.
Anik is the UFC’s primary play-by-play commentator and is no stranger to debate controversial topics or inside information. In a new video on the topic Anik Bros. The YouTube channel suggested to Jon that there is genuine interest in creating an instant rematch UFC White Houseepic Topuria vs Gaethje fight (watch the highlights).
“I think there are internal conversations to try to do a Gaethje vs. Topuria 2,” Anik said. “A lot of people are wondering out loud, ‘What’s next for Ilia Topuria?’ And there’s certainly an obvious basis for a fight between him and Paddy Pimblett. But if you have Ilia Topuria as your fight promoter, wouldn’t you want to think about putting him back in the championship considering how big UFC Freedom 250 was I think there is a strong consideration there.
Gaethje has consistently said he’s not interested in Topuria playing, given how dominant was his victory.
“I don’t think it’s up to Justin… I say that with all due respect,” Anik said, before adding, “I think Justin is a lot more concerned about his show money than who he’s actually fighting.”
“I don’t know what Ilia Topuria’s timeline is,” Anik finished. “But my uninformed speculation is that a Gaethje vs. Topuria 2 rematch would be absolutely huge, and I think predictably it will happen. At least as we sit here at the end of August.”
It will be interesting to see what the UFC decides. Topuria vs. Pimblett has never been more sensible and it would be huge as well. Arman Tsarukyan versus Gaethje would also be a big if “Batman” passes by Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331.
So the promotion is well positioned to have several big fights on the horizon, it’s just a matter of figuring out which one would be bigger.
