Topuria Tells Gaethje And Manager F-Word Still Stands

Ilia Topuria returned to social media this week with a direct attack on Justin Gaethje and his manager Ali Abdelaziz, declaring his earlier insult stands despite attempts to defuse the tension.

The former featherweight champion, who lost his belt when Gaethje stopped him in June on the White House lawn, has posted just three times on X since the defeat — but those tweets appear to have changed Gaethje's stance on an immediate rematch. MMA Mania reports that Topuria accused Gaethje of using doctored gloves in their fight, wrote that he hoped officials would inspect the equipment next time, and addressed both Gaethje and his manager with explicit language.

Gaethje Now Open To Immediate Rematch

Gaethje, who initially showed no interest in running the fight back, told a reporter at an airport that he would gladly face Topuria again. He dismissed the glove accusation, saying he has done the same damage to every opponent. Abdelaziz tried to soften the exchange by referencing his friendship with Topuria's son, but Topuria rejected the overture. He told Abdelaziz not to hide behind the relationship and repeated his insult.

The Spanish star also passed medical tests this week and was cleared to resume training, according to MMA Mania. Whether the UFC books an immediate rematch or forces Topuria to work his way back into title contention remains to be seen. Gaethje is expected to defend the belt before the end of the year.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Ilia Topuria stays on the attack with Justin Gaethje and manager: ‘F—k you still stands’