​WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje participates in a press conference with other fight winners and Dana White following UFC Freedom 250 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesJustin Gaethje wants people to stop saying Ilia Topuria quit on his stool during his shocking TKO victory over the previously unbeaten star at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Gaethje has softened his stance on the matter. However, he still sees top contender Arman Tsarukyan as the next logical opponent for him and the next man who deserves a shot at his UFC lightweight title. Let’s talk MMA.What Gaethje Actually SaidTopicGaethjeOn the quit narrative“He didn’t quit on the stool, his body was too compromised to continue fighting. He didn’t make the call, his coaches made the call because they’re there to protect him.”On Topuria’s weight class“I don’t think he’s a lightweight. I think he should go down.”On the finish“I broke his face.”On Tsarukyan“He’s the next in line.”On his own futureResting, then deciding; will not fight again in 2026On his past lossesNo longer feels the need to avenge themTwo things complicate the rematch talk. Gaethje is recovering from knee and hand injuries after two camps in one year, has ruled out fighting again in 2026, and said he’ll decide his future after resting — he isn’t certain he’ll fight at all. And Dana White has not guaranteed Tsarukyan anything, saying it depends on what Gaethje chooses. Topuria, meanwhile, has accused Gaethje of loading his gloves, which Gaethje dismissed.It’s easy to sell a rematch between Gaethje and Topuria. While Topuria wasn’t a long-standing champion at 155 pounds, it’s not completely strange to see Gaethje attempting to brush him aside. And Tsarukyan definitely deserves his shot after the way he stopped Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 332. Even with that, the fight most MMA fans want to see is the rematch.While Gaethje put on the performance of his life on the White House lawn, there are still some who believe that Topuria won’t make some of the mistakes he made in the first fight. If he is able to right the ship, he could stop Gaethje and regain his title. We’ll see if the UFC allows Gaethje to move Topuria aside.The Lightweight PictureFighterCaseJustin GaethjeChampion, injured, undecided on fighting againArman TsarukyanSix straight wins, named next in line by the championIlia TopuriaLobbying for an immediate rematch, coming off his first lossDana WhiteHasn’t committed; says it depends on GaethjeMore UFC CoverageJustin Gaethje Says Arman Tsarukyan Is Next for UFC Lightweight TitleUFC Fight Night Results: Bonus Winners and HighlightsSean Strickland’s Next Fight: Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335 and Pay TalksThis article was originally published on Forbes.com