Gaethje responds to Topuria's cheating allegations after title fight
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 12:28 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has dismissed Ilia Topuria's insinuation of cheating in their fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June. After Topuria lost the match and retired at the end of the fourth round, he suggested in a recent post that Gaethje's gloves may have been tampered with. Gaethje, 37, countered Topuria's claims, saying he has provided excuses after 94 days of recovery. Topuria recently announced he is ready to return to the octagon. While Gaethje has not announced his next fight, a rematch with Topuria could be possible, especially with other fighters like Arman Tsarukyan vying for a title shot.
- •Gaethje rejected Topuria's cheat allegations following their June fight.
- •Topuria lost the title after retiring in the fourth round due to injury.
- •Topuria announced he is medically cleared to fight again.
- •Gaethje has not yet booked his next fight.
- •A potential rematch may be on the horizon.
- 12:28 PMYahoo Sports — 'Do better kid' - Gaethje rejects Topuria's cheat claim
- 12:28 PMBBC Sport — 'Do better kid' - Gaethje rejects Topuria's cheat claim
"UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje tells Ilia Topuria he needs to "do better" after insinuating he cheated to win their fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
"UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje tells Ilia Topuria he needs to "do better" after insinuating he cheated to win their fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 12:28 PM'Do better kid' - Gaethje rejects Topuria's cheat claim
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje tells Ilia Topuria he needs to "do better" after insinuating he cheated to win their fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
- BBC SportSep 17, 2026, 12:28 PM'Do better kid' - Gaethje rejects Topuria's cheat claim
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje tells Ilia Topuria he needs to "do better" after insinuating he cheated to win their fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
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