What Justin Gaethje has said about Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria

Gaethje argues that Topuria hurting him with body shots was a main reason he won, because it led Topuria to spend everything chasing a finish.

“I told Trevor yesterday, I think, you know, him hurting to my body was one of the main reasons I won”

The Joe Rogan Experience: JRE MMA Show #181 with Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman (Jun 20, 2026) · Listen from 11:33

Gaethje says his win changed how future opponents perceive Topuria, as he believes he did with Tony Ferguson.

“I didn't break Tony Ferguson's confidence. I changed the perception of his opponents”

The Joe Rogan Experience: JRE MMA Show #181 with Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman (Jun 20, 2026) · Listen from 17:32

Gaethje says Topuria likely misread his movement because of how he leans, while he was actually moving left.

“he's going to think I was moving right the whole time because my head is so heavy and I lean over to that side”

The Joe Rogan Experience: JRE MMA Show #181 with Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman (Jun 20, 2026) · Listen from 57:38

Gaethje says Topuria does not deserve an immediate rematch because he quit on his stool.

“No, he doesn't get a rematch. He can try, but he doesn't get one”

The Joe Rogan Experience: JRE MMA Show #181 with Justin Gaethje & Trevor Wittman (Jun 20, 2026) · Listen from 1:30:05