Topuria dismisses Gaethje: He's not exciting for me or the fans

Ahead of one of the most important MMA events of the year, the experienced fighter from the USA, who has a string of brutal matches under his belt, appeared to be ideally positioned to attack the lightweight title. His impressive victory against a tough opponent at UFC 313, after bouncing back from a tough loss at UFC 300, restored hope that fans could see him again in a title fight.

Fiziev 

After replacing Dan Hooker at UFC 313 night, Rafael Fiziev suffered a loss to the 35-year-old knockout, which caused the delight of fans. “The Highlight” has once again proven himself as a fighter the organization can rely on, and the UFC thanked him with another fight of the night bonus — for the fourth time in a row. However, his team sent a clear warning: if he does not challenge for the title immediately, it is possible that he will withdraw his hand.

This did not sit well with the head of the organization. Dana White responded directly: "That's crazy." A clear message that threats, regardless of status, do not go easy on the first man of the UFC.

Additional confusion was introduced by the chaos that arose after the fight between Ilija Topuria and Charles Oliveira, in which the Spaniard defeated the Brazilian by knockout in the first round. A brawl in the Octagon followed – Topuria and Pimblett pushed each other, insulted each other, and it immediately became the new narrative – everyone now wants that match.

"Fighting Justin Gaethje? I don't think that would be something exciting for the fans," Topuria told ESPN after UFC 317. "We need new blood in the division. We need new faces, hungrier than what we're used to."

He didn't stop there: 

"There's no point in me fighting someone like Gaethje, who comes from the old school, you know? I want to clean up the division a little bit, new faces, new guys. It's going to be very interesting."

It is encouraging for the audience that 27-year-old Topuria announced his return to the Octagon by the end of the year, now that he no longer has to struggle with losing weight. Even if the UFC awards him Pimblett, a fight with the former champion could follow in early 2025.

However, the competition is not sleeping. Arman Tsarukyan and others are impatiently waiting for their five minutes. If the situation does not change, the fighter from Arizona may have to roll up his sleeves once again and prove that he deserves a chance.