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Gaethje Rules Out Pimblett Rematch, Eyes Tsarukyan

7/16/2026

Summary

Gaethje Rejects Rematch

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje said on Pat McAfee Show he will not fight Paddy Pimblett again.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz posted on X that Gaethje’s next fight will be against an opponent he has not faced, ruling out Topuria, Holloway, Pimblett and Oliveira; analysts note the highest-ranked un-faced lightweight is No. 2 Arman Tsarukyan.
Paddy Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 but stays behind Tsarukyan and Oliveira in the lightweight hierarchy.

Summary

Gaethje Delays Fight

Justin Gaethje confirmed his next fight will not happen before 2027, giving the UFC a multi-year planning window.
Anthony Joshua said Gaethje’s Topuria win reminded him how dangerous fighting is and urged humility.
Rafael Fiziev said the Topuria victory rejuvenated him and changed his competitive outlook.
Pimblett offered a short-notice fight with Max Holloway after his loss, as shown in backstage clips with Dana White.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 Brock Lesnar withdrew from the heavyweight title picture due to diverticulitis, forcing the UFC to reshuffle rankings and postpone major pay-per-view events. His 2011 retirement and $5.3 million earnings highlighted how a champion’s absence can strain the promotion’s schedule. Gaethje’s 2027-later fight now creates a similar ranking challenge for the UFC.

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Gaethje Rejects Rematch

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje said on Pat McAfee Show he will not fight Paddy Pimblett again.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz posted on X that Gaethje’s next fight will be against an opponent he has not faced, ruling out Topuria, Holloway, Pimblett and Oliveira; analysts note the highest-ranked un-faced lightweight is No. 2 Arman Tsarukyan.
Paddy Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 but stays behind Tsarukyan and Oliveira in the lightweight hierarchy.

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