{"id":25041,"date":"2025-03-03T19:53:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T18:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=25041"},"modified":"2025-03-03T19:53:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T18:53:23","slug":"justin-gaethje-gives-his-thoughts-on-ilia-topuria-chances-at-lightweight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/justin-gaethje-gives-his-thoughts-on-ilia-topuria-chances-at-lightweight\/","title":{"rendered":"Justin Gaethje Gives His Thoughts On Ilia Topuria’s Chances At Lightweight"},"content":{"rendered":"

The UFC<\/a> lightweight division has always been a shark tank. From legends like BJ Penn to current champion Islam Makhachev, the 155-pound weight class never lacks excitement. Fighters battle through a gauntlet of killers just to sniff title contention. Now, a new predator circles these waters – featherweight champion Ilia Topuria wants in, and he is making waves.<\/p>

Few fighters earn their nicknames as honestly as Justin Gaethje. The former interim lightweight champion built his reputation through breathtaking violence and edge-of-your-seat brawls. His “kill or be killed<\/em>” approach makes him a fan favorite. When Gaethje speaks about fighting, smart people listen. That is why his recent comments about Topuria carry weight.<\/p>

Also Read: Beneil Dariush Ready To Welcome New Lightweight To The Division!<\/a><\/p>

Justin Gaethje Makes His Thoughts Known<\/h2>

Speaking with Shak MMA, Gaethje didn’t mince words about Topuria’s chances at lightweight. The Arizona native reminded everyone that Max Holloway, another featherweight, knocked him out cold at UFC 300. It seems the days of dismissing lighter fighters are over in Gaethje’s mind.<\/p>

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“Yeah, I mean it. There’s just no way to say. I think, uh, I think him being a featherweight coming up to lightweight is not a factor. I think we saw that with Max Holloway. The only guy to put me to sleep was a featherweight so that f**king don’t work.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>

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