Gaethje Rejects Topuria 'Quit' Claims After UFC 250

Justin Gaethje says Ilia Topuria did not quit in their UFC Freedom 250 title fight at the White House in June.

Gaethje captured the undisputed lightweight championship when Topuria's corner waved off the bout after the fourth round on the South Lawn. The finish capped one of the biggest upsets in UFC title fight history, but Gaethje told the One Night with Steiny podcast that the narrative around how it ended needs correcting.

"He didn't quit on the stool," Gaethje said, as reported by MMA Fighting. "His body was too compromised to continue fighting. He didn't make the call, his coaches made the call because they're there to protect him. My coaches are in my corner to protect me in those times."

Topuria's Loaded Glove Accusation

Topuria congratulated Gaethje immediately after the loss but has since accused the American of loading his gloves before the fight. Gaethje said he is not bothered by the claim, which he attributed to internet culture. "He's part of your era. You guys say weird stuff for fun, dude," Gaethje said, per Sherdog. "I think the internet's crazy, man. It's clickbait, engagement, we're farming out here."

Topuria has pushed for an immediate rematch, but Gaethje said Arman Tsarukyan is the obvious next contender after his recent finish. Gaethje has not committed to a return date.

Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Justin Gaethje: Ilia Topuria ‘didn’t quit on the stool’ at UFC White House | MMA Fighting
• sherdog.com — Justin Gaethje shuts down Ilia Topuria ‘quit’ narrative after UFC 250