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Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz has firmly ruled out an immediate rematch between lightweight king Justin Gaethje and former champion Ilia Topuria. Speaking on Submission Radio, the high-profile manager addressed the ongoing talk of a second bout following Gaethje's brutal stoppage victory over Topuria earlier this year. Abdelaziz made it clear that Topuria will not get a second shot right away, stating that only one legendary figure in UFC history has ever possessed that kind of leverage.
Abdelaziz dismissed Topuria's chances of jumping the contender line by drawing a direct comparison to the sport's biggest icon. "He’s not fighting Justin Gaethje next. Only one guy in the past did that. His name is Conor McGregor, and he’s not Conor McGregor, and nobody is," Abdelaziz stated bluntly during the interview. He emphasized that the promotion will not bend its matchmaking rules for the former featherweight champion.
The veteran manager also expressed supreme confidence in his fighter's tactical superiority over Topuria in any future exchange. Assuring fans that the initial knockout was not a fluke, Abdelaziz claimed that Gaethje simply has a complete mental and physical advantage in the matchup. "I believe Justin Gaethje will beat him 9 out of 10 times. Justin has his number. You will never—this fight will never happen," Abdelaziz concluded, effectively closing the door on the rivalry.
