In a major interview on Submission Radio prior to his title fight, top contender Justin slave has described the important opportunities that would open up for him if he were to rule UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria moves to welterweight.
With Gaethje in front of him Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title bee UFC324 on January 24, ‘The Highlight’ sees a future where he can claim undisputed gold and secure lucrative title rematches. His comments add a new strategic layer to the one already stacked UFC lightweight division landscape.
The ‘manifest’ path: from interim to undisputed champion
Gaethje explained his clear vision: “If Ilia were to rise, I would simply be champion”referring to Topuria’s much-discussed ambition to fight for a historic third belt.
In this scenario, the winner of the UFC324 headliner—Gaethje vs. Pimblett-elevated to undisputed champion. Gaethje believes this opens a perfect path: “I think what that leaves open is the opportunity for me to get a rematch against Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira, get my title and get the BMF belt“. He described this ambition with a double title as a script that it was “speak into existence”.
A division on the move: Oliveira, Holloway and the BMF title
Gaethje’s intended path intersects directly with other major projects. Charles Oliveira And Max Holloway are scheduled for high stakes rematch at UFC 326 on March 7, with Holloway’s BMF title on the line.
Oliveira, the former champion, shares a similar view. He recently stated that a win over Holloway should put him back in contention for the undisputed lightweight title. For more information about the evolving martial arts landscape and fighters’ perspectives, important insights are often shared across major news outlets.
Topuria’s Break: The Catalyst for Change
The whole landscape changed then champion Ilia Topuria announced he would step away from competition in the first quarter of 2026 to focus on his family.
The UFC acted quickly and created the interim title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett. While the original plan was for the interim winner to face Topuria upon his return, Gaethje’s comments highlight a compelling alternative if ‘El Matador’ decides his future lies at welterweight.
Road to UFC 324: Spoiler intentions and a stacked card
Despite looking ahead, Gaethje’s immediate focus is firmly on Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett. He has promised to play spoiler and declare: “I’m going to ruin this for everyone. There will be no Paddy and Ilia”. For a deeper insight Gaethje’s mentality and analysis of the fightdetailed features have been published.
The event is further enhanced by a blockbuster co-main event featuring a women’s bantamweight title fight in between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes.
The future of the lightweight throne
Justin Gaethje’s public mapping of this potential future adds a fascinating strategic layer. Whether the path runs through a returning Ilia Topuria or to a vacated belt, the outcome of UFC324 will be the first crucial step in defining the next era of the 155-pound championship.
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