Topuria Cleared After UFC White House Loss, Blames Gaethje's Gloves

Ilia Topuria has been medically cleared to return three months after his corner stopped his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, and the former champion is pointing fingers at his opponent's equipment.

Topuria posted on Tuesday that he completed his final medical tests and is ready to fight again following the June loss in which he suffered two broken orbital bones and severe facial damage. The Georgian fighter also suggested Gaethje may have tampered with his gloves during the bout, according to posts captured by MMA Fighting and MMA Mania.

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Topuria Suggests Gaethje Used Illegal Gloves

"Final medical tests done. I'm back," Topuria wrote on Twitter. "Next time I'll make sure they check Justin's gloves so he doesn't put anything weird on them."

The claim marks a sharp reversal from Topuria's initial response to the loss. He originally offered no excuses and acknowledged Gaethje's performance after the stoppage between the fourth and fifth rounds. No commission official or UFC representative has raised concerns about Gaethje's equipment from the White House card.

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Gaethje and coach Trevor Wittman previously addressed the glove conspiracy theory on The Joe Rogan Experience, per MMA Mania. "What a compliment," Gaethje said of the accusations. "People saying I've got bricks in my gloves, what a compliment."

UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed Topuria is ready to return and has shown interest in either a Gaethje rematch or a long-discussed fight with Paddy Pimblett. No date has been set for Topuria's next bout.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — ‘I’m back’: Ilia Topuria reveals he’s been cleared to return to action after brutal UFC White House loss
• MMA Mania — Ilia Topuria ‘back’ after clearing medical tests, blames Justin Gaethje’s ‘weird’ gloves for UFC White House loss