UFC legend predicts Justin Gaethje retires before fighting Ilia Topuria: ‘Gonna fold him’

Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal believes Justin Gaethje proved he lacks a sufficient chance to defeat Ilia Topuria after UFC 324.

Justin Gaethje reclaimed the interim UFC lightweight title by outpointing Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 last Saturday in Las Vegas. In a five-round instant classic, Gaethje handed Pimblett his first UFC defeat, outpointing the fellow fan favorite by unanimous decision.

Gaethje will now fight lineal lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is on indefinite hiatus, for the unified championship later this year. As of this writing, Topuria hasn’t formally announced his return, but he’s targeting a comeback in late spring or the start of summer.

Ahead of UFC 324, Gaethje admitted he feels ‘fear’ in thinking about what a fight with Topuria could look like inside the Octagon. For that reason alone, former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal believes Gaethje should walk away before fighting for the lineal belt.

Jorge Masvidal: Justin Gaethje ‘levels below’ Ilia Topuria after UFC 324 win

In a recent episode of his Death Row MMA podcast, Masvidal reacted to Gaethje’s performance at UFC 324 and a potential matchup next with Topuria.

“It’s a good thing that Paddy didn’t win, because if he did, he was going to get torched by Ilia,” Masvidal said. “I think Gaethje retires and rides off into the sunset, because he doesn’t want to see Ilia. Both of these guys are just levels below Ilia, and that fight showed it all. Wrestling, striking, defense, offense. I think Ilia is on a whole other planet when it comes to these guys.

“Hopefully, they give him Justin Gaethje so he can get another guy and do him like a launcher, man, he’s going to fold him.”

Topuria hasn’t fought since knocking out former UFC lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira for the then-vacant belt last year. Meanwhile, Gaethje has won back-to-back fights since falling to Max Holloway at UFC 300.

What is your prediction for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje? Let us know in the comments!