At UFC 324 this past weekend, Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title by decisively defeating Paddy Pimblett in a fierce battle that included three knockdowns. Despite this impressive display, former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad expressed doubts about Gaethje’s readiness to face the undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in an upcoming title fight.
Belal Muhammad Questions Gaethje’s Preparedness Against Topuria
Following Gaethje’s performance, Belal Muhammad took to social media to voice his opinion on Gaethje’s prospects against Topuria, stating that the American fighter still needs to improve before taking on the champion.
“Justin needs to sharpen up a lot before Topuria.”
Ilia Topuria, known as “El Matador,” is regarded as one of the premier strikers in the UFC. The Georgian-born Spaniard boasts striking victories over elite opponents including Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, making him the only fighter to have ever knocked out “Blessed.” His recent string of knockout wins against Volkanovski, Holloway, and Charles Oliveira is widely considered one of the greatest three-fight runs in UFC history.
Industry voices like Joe Rogan have highlighted Topuria’s boxing technique as exceptionally precise, adding depth to his knockout power. Conversely, Gaethje’s fighting style is characterized by relentless aggression and chaos, which has occasionally created difficulties for him earlier in his career but has also been central to his success.
Gaethje Seeks Spot on UFC White House Card and Title Opportunity
Following his victory at UFC 324, Gaethje is determined to appear on the upcoming UFC White House event. He has expressed confidence that he will participate on this historic card, citing his role as a representative for the United States.
“The White House is in June, and I represent this country. I represented tonight. Obviously, look at the position, the opportunity they gave me here. There is no way they are keeping me off that card, unless I’m dead. I can’t wait for the [undisputed title fight against Ilia Topuria] fight. [The unification fight] is what I got here for. That’s what I believe the next fight is, unless he is not back [in time].”
Gaethje currently holds the interim lightweight belt and is positioned to challenge Topuria for the undisputed title when the champion returns, which is expected in the second quarter of 2026. The clash between Gaethje’s aggressive striking and Topuria’s calculated precision is highly anticipated in the MMA community, as it will determine the definitive lightweight king.
This forthcoming matchup holds significant implications for the lightweight division, potentially defining its landscape for years to come. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Gaethje can adjust his approach to match Topuria’s technical skills or if the Spaniard will continue his dominant run without interruption.
Justin needs to sharpen up a lot before topuria
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 25, 2026
