MMA
Ilia Topuria's life could be ruined with Justin Gaethje rematch, says former UFC KO artist: "He needs a proper return fight"
Zuffa LLCA former UFC fan favorite believes Ilia Topuria might want to think twice if offered an immediate rematch with Justin Gaethje.
Play-by-play commentator Jon Anik turned some heads recently when he shared his belief that there is “strong consideration†within the UFC brass to book Gaethje vs. Topuria 2. Gaethje handed Topuria his first pro MMA loss in brutal fashion at the conclusion of UFC Freedom 250. “El Matador†suffered fractures in both his orbital bones on his way to a TKO loss after he didn't get off his stool for the final round.
In the process, Topuria also lost the UFC Lightweight Championship. Some feel the loss was devastating enough that an immediate rematch would be a bad idea. While Matt Brown doesn't think it's a bad idea for business, he took to MMAFighting‘s “The Fighter vs. The Writer†to caution Topuria before he accepts his return fight.
“I get where the UFC is coming from. I get where the UFC would want to make that fight,†Brown said. “The downside of that fight, you might ruin Ilia Topuria's life. If that first fight repeats itself, I'm not sure Ilia comes back the same. I'm not sure he comes back from the first one already. If you actually care about Ilia's life, you need to put him in there with someone like a [Renato] Moicano.
“He needs a proper return fight, in my opinion. You see this in boxing all the time. Guys don't come back from wars like that and go try again unless it's like [Arturo] Gatti and [Micky] Ward. It's pretty rare that these type of fights get rebooked and it happens right away. You've got to rebuild it back up and give the guy a tuneup when you come off a loss.â€
Gaethje has said that he'd rather not fight Topuria next. “The Highlight†is more interested in seeking revenge against Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, or even a fresh matchup against Arman Tsarukyan, who is scheduled to meet Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19. Gaethje doesn't believe Topuria should get an immediate rematch after quitting on his stool.
Do you think Ilia Topuria needs a different fight before considering the rematch with Justin Gaethje? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
Raoni Barcelos shares video from hospital bed, vows to ‘come back stronger’ after terrifying UFC Vegas 121 loss
Valter Walker says Josh Hokit won’t call him out for one reason
UFC newcomer Luis Hernandez wants to ‘pull a Kevin Holland’
50 Years Ago: Remembering Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton III – The Titanic Rubber Match at Yankee Stadium
-
Boxing2 days agoSam Goodman Defeats Ryosuke Nishida in Thrilling Tokyo Showdown
-
Boxing2 days agoTenshin Nasukawa Dominates Takuma Inoue but Falls Short Again in Thrilling Match
-
MMA2 days agoRaoni Barcelos’ coach shares medical update after scary UFC Vegas 121 fight ending
-
MMA2 days agoMax Kellerman claims he knows Dana White’s role for Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua; White responds
-
Boxing2 days agoDana White Questions Ryan Garcias Ability to Lure Crawford Back into the Ring
-
Boxing2 days agoBen Whittaker Faces Crucial Test Against Wallace in Career-Defining Step Up
-
MMA2 days agoJustin Gaethje: Ilia Topuria ‘didn’t quit on the stool’ at UFC White House
-
MMA2 days agoDarren Till still thinks Mike Perry fight would sell out a stadium for BKFC: "I want that fight to start next year"