Justin Gaethje responds to Ilia Topuria rematch suggestion after UFC White House win

Justin Gaethje has played down suggestions he'll immediately rematch Ilia Topuria after his thrilling win at UFC Freedom 250.

Gaethje finally won the UFC lightweight title at the third time of asking in a fight that promised fireworks, immediately delivering with both fighters trading from the off. Gaethje's impressive work off the back foot saw him take the first round, with Topuria moments away from defending his title in the second. The Georgian landed a number of heavy body shots which eventually brought Gaethje to the mat with the challenger surviving until the end of the round.

Gaethje then took Topuria to the mat with a mammoth right hand in the third, before a bloodied and bruised Topuria was closely inspected by a doctor at the end of the round, who initially suggested the fight should be stopped. The bout was allowed to continue, with Gaethje pouring more onto the challenger, who was then pulled out of the fight by his corner prior to the final round.

Speaking after the win, Gaethje said: "I'm such a huge fan of this kid, but where do you go from here? It's going to be a very tough climb back for him.

"I never had the mindset he had. I never thought myself unbeatable or infallible. I knew, I said it from day one, I was going to get knocked out with the way I fight with how crazy this sport is. I don't want to say anything bad about this guy, he was a world champion, but he's in the hospital right now; I'm not.

Asked about the his future plans, Gaethje said: "I don't know. I would say definitely not a rematch. I made him quit on the stool. I think [the scores] were 3-1. In an election that's a domination."