Gaethje Reverses Stance on Topuria Rematch Amidst Glove Controversy
The UFC welterweight champion has indicated a willingness to face Ilia Topuria again, a shift prompted by allegations of equipment tampering during their June bout.
UFC welterweight champion Justin Gaethje has signalled that he is open to an immediate rematch against Ilia Topuria, reversing a previous position that required the Spaniard to defeat a top contender before earning another shot at the belt. This shift in stance follows Topuria’s recent social media claims that Gaethje tampered with his gloves during their June 14 bout at UFC Freedom 250.
Topuria, who suffered two broken orbital bones and a shattered septum in the fight, stated that he is now medically cleared and ready to compete from February onward. In a public post, the former champion accused Gaethje of putting "something weird" on his gloves, suggesting that future bouts should include stricter equipment checks to prevent similar incidents.
Gaethje initially dismissed the allegations as a "lame excuse" in a social media response, noting that 94 days had passed since the fight. However, in a subsequent interview with Joe Andaloro, the champion adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding the prospect of a second meeting.
"We'll see; time will tell," Gaethje told Andaloro. "Am I willing to? I just beat the shit out of him. Of course I would." The comments suggest a move away from his earlier assertion that he did not plan to fight again this year.
The potential rematch has drawn attention from UFC President Dana White, who has appeared open to either an immediate return bout or a potential blood feud between the two fighters. While the specific nature of the alleged glove tampering remains unconfirmed, the dispute has injected a new layer of institutional scrutiny into the welterweight division.
The situation highlights the tension between athletic performance and regulatory oversight in mixed martial arts. As Topuria prepares for his return, the UFC faces the task of managing a high-profile rivalry that may require formalised equipment protocols to satisfy both camps.
