Topuria Accuses Gaethje of Glove Tampering After UFC Fight

Ilia Topuria has accused Justin Gaethje of tampering with his gloves during their UFC fight, reigniting a feud between the two lightweight fighters. The accusation, made on social media after Topuria was medically cleared to return, has drawn denials and reactions from across the mixed martial arts world.

Topuria, who suffered two broken orbital bones in a fourth-round stoppage loss to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026, announced his medical clearance on September 16, 2026. In a post on X, he wrote: "Next time I'll make sure they check Justin's gloves so he doesn't put anything weird on them." He followed with direct insults toward Gaethje and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz.

Gaethje responded bluntly, calling the accusation a "lame excuse" and stating he would happily fight Topuria again. In a video posted on social media, Gaethje said, "People don't believe that. I've done that to everybody's face that I fought. Am I willing to rematch him? I just beat the s*** out of him, of course I would."

UFC President Dana White, speaking during the Power Slap 23 event, said he was unaware of the social media exchange and dismissed it. "I don't go on social media as much as people...