Spanish journalist denies rumors of a fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria is the lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Enjoying widespread popularity and topping the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings, Ilia Topuria is expected to defend his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) for the first time later this year. Earlier this week, international media speculated that Justin Gaethje would be chosen as the challenger in New York, but that's not the case. At least, that's the information reported by Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter) last Wednesday (27), Colmenero addressed the future of the main Spanish athletes in the UFC, such as Joel Alvarez and Ilia himself. According to him, the possibility of the Georgian/Spanish defending the belt this year is remote.

“Many of you have written to me asking if it’s true that Joel Álvarez fought in Paris and Ilia Topuria in New York. As far as I know, the answer is no. I hope Joel can fight in October/November and Topuria in January/February,” stated the journalist, who works as a reporter for Eurosport Spain.

Many people wrote to me to ask me if it was true that Joel Álvarez was in Paris and Ilia Topuria in New York.

✖️ Wherever I come from, the answer is NO.

I hope Joel can fight in October/November and Topuria in January/February.

— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) August 27, 2025

Topuria is undefeated in MMA

Ilia poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles Oliveira . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

At 28 years old, Ilia Topuria is in the best phase of his career. He has a record of 17 professional fights and in his last appearance he defeated Charles do Bronx by knockout in the first round in his first title shot. Furthermore, El Matador dominated the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) with victories against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

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