Gaethje Dismisses Topuria Loaded Gloves Claim

Justin Gaethje says Ilia Topuria's claim that he loaded his gloves before their June title fight is nothing more than engagement bait.

Gaethje stopped Topuria to win the undisputed UFC lightweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn. The finish came after Topuria failed to answer the bell for the fifth round, his corner waving off the fight between rounds. Now Topuria has accused the champion of cheating, but Gaethje is not taking it seriously.

Gaethje Says Internet Drives Wild Claims

Speaking on "One Night with Steiny," Gaethje said Topuria's comments reflect how fighters chase attention in the social media era. "I think the internet's crazy, man," he said, per MMA Fighting. "It's clickbait, engagement, we're farming out here. We're farming for interactions. That's the game. I don't like the game but I'm going to have to play the game."

Gaethje also pushed back on suggestions that Topuria quit on his stool. He said the stoppage was not Topuria's decision but came from his corner, which stepped in to protect him after the punishment he absorbed. "His body was too compromised to continue fighting," Gaethje said.

Topuria has asked for a rematch. Arman Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 and is widely viewed as the top contender. Gaethje confirmed that Tsarukyan earned the next shot, though no date has been set for 2027.

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• BJPenn — Justin Gaethje unfazed by Ilia Topuria’s loaded gloves claim: “I think the internet’s crazy, man”