The rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje continues to evolve as Ali Abdelaziz, manager for Gaethje, has floated a potential future matchup between Topuria and undefeated daguestani contender Usman Nurmagomedov. The remarks follow a turbulent series of social media exchanges involving Topuria, Gaethje, and Abdelaziz regarding the division’s current landscape.
Abdelaziz Floats Nurmagomedov Bout After Digital Clashes
Topuria recently returned to public attention following a period of recovery from medical examinations after his bout against Gaethje at UFC Casa Blanca on June 14. Taking to online platforms, Topuria engaged in verbal sparring by fueling conspiracy theories concerning alleged illegal hand wraps during their previous encounter, while also directing sharp remarks toward Abdelaziz.
Social Media Feud Draws Personal Retaliation
Abdelaziz responded publicly on X (formerly Twitter) by acknowledging Topuria’s return while bringing family ties into the discussion. Topuria immediately rejected the mention of his son, writing on social media, «No metas a mi hijo en esto. Que tú seas su amigo no tiene nada que ver conmigo y contigo. Sabes perfectamente por qué dije lo que dije. Así que no te escondas detrás de él. Que te jodan sigue en pie».
Nurmagomedov Enters Lightweight Title Picture
Amid the digital back-and-forth, Abdelaziz pivoted toward broader divisional matchups for El Matador, noting that a future meeting between Topuria and Usman Nurmagomedov remains a possibility. Usman Nurmagomedov, a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, carries an undefeated professional record and recently defended his PFL lightweight belt against Archie Colgan. Dana White has previously shown interest in bringing the daguestaní into the organization once his current promotional commitments conclude.
Evaluating Next Steps in the Octagon
The prospect of a matchup involving a Nurmagomedov adds another layer to Topuria’s path forward in the division. Previously, Topuria’s primary target was Islam Makhachev, though negotiations for a fight at UFC Casa Blanca ultimately fell through. With the lightweight belt currently held by Gaethje, Topuria faces multiple options for his next appearance inside the Octagon, ranging from a title rematch to alternative contenders such as Paddy Pimblett.
Gaethje Dismisses Claims and Eyes Early 2027 Rematch
The American champion dismissed the claims, stating, «La gente no cree eso. Le he hecho eso a la cara de todo el mundo contra quien he peleado. ¿Estoy dispuesto a una revancha con Topuria? Acabo de darle una paliza de mierda, por supuesto que sí». While Gaethje previously distanced himself from an immediate rematch, his stance has shifted toward accepting a potential second bout in early 2027.
Topuria has completed his final medical clearances following the injuries sustained against Gaethje and prepares to resume gradual training sessions. As the UFC evaluates the lightweight division’s next movements, both camps continue to shape the narrative for what stands as one of the most commercially significant rivalries in the promotion.
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