Justin Gaethje Lays Out UFC Return Strategy: Who's Next After Topuria's Absence?

You know, the MMA world has been buzzing for a while, wondering when we'd see Justin Gaethje back in the octagon. And, well, he's certainly ready to go! The man known as 'The Highlight' has recently pulled back the curtain a bit on his immediate future, sharing some candid thoughts about his highly anticipated UFC return.

The initial whisper, the fight that had fans absolutely salivating, was a collision with Ilia Topuria. Just imagine that! Two absolute brawlers, guaranteed fireworks. But, as often happens in this sport, things shift on a dime. With Topuria now officially slated to face Max Holloway in what promises to be a featherweight fireworks show – honestly, that's a brilliant fight in its own right – Gaethje suddenly found himself needing a new dance partner.

But fear not, Gaethje isn't one to sit around and mope. Nope, that's just not his style. Instead, he's already moved on to identifying a fresh slate of top-tier opponents who could step up to the plate. It's a testament to his fighter's mentality, really; always looking forward, always seeking the biggest challenge. He's made it clear he's ready to sign a contract, no matter who it's against, as long as it makes sense for his path back to the gold.

So, who exactly is 'The Highlight' eyeing now that Topuria is out of the picture? Well, he's thrown out some seriously intriguing names, each with its own compelling storyline. First up, and perhaps most exciting for long-time fans, is a potential rematch with Dustin Poirier. Their first encounter was an absolute classic, a back-and-forth war that had everyone on the edge of their seats. A second helping? Yes, please!

Then there's Charles Oliveira, another former foe whom Gaethje has faced before. A chance at redemption there would certainly be enticing, and it's a fight that would undoubtedly have massive title implications in the incredibly stacked lightweight division. Both Poirier and Oliveira represent huge tests, and honestly, they're the kinds of fights that Gaethje lives for.

But he hasn't stopped there. Gaethje also mentioned the rising star Arman Tsarukyan, a formidable force who's been making waves with his dominant performances. That would be a fascinating stylistic matchup, a real test of wills between an established legend and a hungry contender. It shows Gaethje's willingness to face anyone, anywhere, to prove he's still among the very best.

Ultimately, it seems Justin Gaethje is simply chomping at the bit to get back in there. While the Topuria fight might be off the table for now, the possibilities that remain are absolutely electrifying. Whoever he ends up facing, one thing is for sure: when Justin Gaethje steps into that octagon, we're all in for a treat. He never, ever disappoints, and his return is going to be one of the most anticipated events in the sport.