Ilia Topuria Accuses Justin Gaethje of Cheating at UFC White House Fight, Provides Injury Update

After his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC's Freedom 250 in June, Ilia Topuria accused the lightweight champion of glove manipulation.

In a post updating his injury status, Topuria said the next time he fights Gaethje, he'll "check Justin's gloves so he doesn't put anything weird on them."

"Final medical tests done. I'm back. To all the clowns who've been talking s--t and counting me out this whole time, here I am," he wrote on social media. "Now let's see who's got the balls. Thanks to everyone for the support. Next time I'll make sure they check Justin's gloves so he doesn't put anything weird on them. See you soon."

Topuria had an undefeated record coming into the fight and was looking to defend his lightweight title for a third time in the fight. Gaethje was competing for the lightweight title for the first time since 2022.

Topuria sustained significant facial damage in the bout, with the fight nearly being stopped before the start of the fourth round. His corner eventually ended the fight before the final round.

As a result of the facial damage, Topuria broke both orbital bones but did not need surgery.

It was by far the most damage Topuria has taken during his career, and it's easy to see why he was quick to accuse Gaethje of cheating. Whether anything will come out of the investigation remains to be seen.

But one thing that is clear is that a rematch between Topuria and Gaethje could be on the way, especially after the bold claim from Topuria on Wednesday.