Jorge Masvidal: Ilia Topuria Levels Above Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett

Jorge Masvidal said Justin Gaethje's win over Paddy Pimblett spared Pimblett from a tougher matchup with champion Ilia Topuria, framing the stakes for the lightweight picture. At UFC 324 in Las Vegas, Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight title. Masvidal contrasted both fighters with Ilia Topuria on the Death Row MMA podcast, calling the champion "on a different level." He suggested Gaethje retire rather than pursue a title unifier, predicting Topuria would "starch" him. Gaethje's recent losses came against Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, both previously knocked out by Topuria.