UFC lightweight star Justin Gaethje is at a point in his career where he’s going to take unnecessary fights. ‘The Highlight’ either wants a title shot or maybe a non-title fight if it can significantly add to his bank account. Meanwhile, middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis would send fans into a frenzy after he claimed that Gaethje would be fighting next month when he headlines UFC 319.

“The co-main event is Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje,” said Dricus du Plessis while starting speculations in the fight community. It’s not a title fight, but a fight against Paddy Pimblett will make sure that the payout will be great. Both fighters are gunning for the title, and hence, ‘Stillknocks’ claimed that they will be competing in a title eliminator bout. However, Dricus du Plessis backtracked shortly after starting the rumors, and it seems like he could be telling the truth this time.

Justin Gaethje doesn’t look like he’s in a fight camp because he was photographed doing a “Surfboard Wrestling Challenge.” The Celebrity Surf Series TV show has had a lot of famous people on it, but when a UFC star came on, the host, Austin Keen, added a wrestling part to the episode. Gaethje seemed to be having a fantastic time.

If the rumors about him fighting are true, Justin Gaethje would have been at the camp getting ready for Paddy Pimblett. Also, surfing is perilous because “The Highlight” might have damaged himself. So, with less than two months until the PPV, he might have tried to put a big bout in risk.

Ilia Topuria is ‘the big name’, Justin Gaethje admits

For those who claimed Ilia Topuria is known only for his alleged impersonation of Conor McGregor, UFC 317 showed them that he’s the real deal. His last three fights have proved his mettle and have uplifted him to become one of the top stars in the promotion right now, period. Justin Gaethje acknowledges that and wants to get a piece of the Georgian-Spaniard UFC champion, and of course, finish him like ‘El Matador’ has been doing to his friends.

“Topuria is the big name right now,” Justin Gaethje told Austin Keen. He further added, “Cocky. I would love to knock him out,” admiring the lightweight champion’s personality. It’s important to note that this interview took place before UFC 317. As such, Gaethje also claimed that he was hoping to see a knockout in the main event. And voila! A knockout was what the fans got, and that too, in spectacular fashion.

Topuria’s team later confirmed Gaethje as the closest contender to face him on the next defense, while Pimblett waits in the wings. And UFC insider Chael Sonnen has publicly expressed interest in seeing a Gaethje vs. Topuria clash, calling it “a must‑see brawl” in recent commentary.

There is currently no word on what Justin Gaethje will do next from the UFC. There is no doubt that two knockout machines like ‘The Highlight and Ilia Topuria are a fight that fans would love to see, and some key figures like Chael Sonnen have expressed a keen interest in watching how this potential fight pans out. However, ‘The American Gangster’ still believes that it’s Arman Tsarukyan next, who still hasn’t gotten his chance after missing out on UFC 311. So it depends on what Dana White does in the coming months.