Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has publicly advised Ilia Topuria against pursuing an immediate rematch with Justin Gaethje following his defeat at UFC Freedom 250. Drawing from his own championship experience inside the Octagon, Adesanya suggested that Topuria would benefit more from securing another victory before challenging for the lightweight title again.
Weighing the Rematch Risks After UFC Freedom 250
The discussion surrounding Topuria’s next career move intensified following the fighter’s return to social media after months of recovering from injuries sustained against Gaethje. During an appearance on the podcast he co-hosts with Demetrious Johnson, Adesanya addressed the physical toll of the initial bout and cautioned against rushing back into a high-stakes rematch.
“After a beating like that, I would advise him not to take the fight with Justin,” Adesanya stated on the podcast. The New Zealand-born fighter noted that his own career history—which included reclaiming the middleweight title after losing it to Alex Pereira—demonstrates both the danger and the difficulty of attempting an immediate recovery of a lost championship reign.
Adesanya maintained that taking an intermediate fight would serve Topuria’s career better. “I think getting another win before going for a title fight would be the best thing for him,” the former champion added.
Alternative Matchup Options and Managerial Stances
As the debate over Topuria’s next opponent continues, other potential matchups have surfaced. Paddy Pimblett remains regularly mentioned as a logical opponent for Topuria should an immediate rematch with Gaethje fail to materialize.
At the same time, Ali Abdelaziz, who manages both Gaethje and Dagestani fighter Usman Nurmagomedov, has floated the possibility of a future matchup involving Nurmagomedov. Addressing prospective fights for Topuria, Abdelaziz noted potential pathways ahead: "There are still so many great matchups out there for you," the manager remarked regarding the division's current state.
Despite social media speculation fueled by online exchanges regarding fight details—including internet debates over hand wraps—Topuria has not yet officially confirmed who he will face upon his return to active competition.
Next Steps in the Division
Topuria’s immediate future remains in his own hands as he finalizes his return alongside UFC matchmakers following his recovery period. Whether he chooses to heed Adesanya’s advice and take an interim bout or pushes for an immediate rematch against Gaethje will determine the next chapter in the lightweight division.
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