Justin Gaethje has changed his tune regarding a potential rematch against Ilia Topuria.
With his imminent return announced, Topuria is looking to reclaim the throne he lost in June. Back hungrier and more determined to succeed, the fan favorite brought a serious accusation with him. After suffering the first defeat of his career, the former UFC champion hinted that Gaethje tampered with his gloves before their UFC White House clash, pointing to the damage that he sustained as proof. The comment kickstarted a verbal back-and-forth war between the lightweights, which only adds fuel to the fire for one of the promotion’s best rivalries at the moment.
A scintillating performance last time out has Justin Gaethje feeling on top of the world, enjoying the benefits of being an undisputed UFC champion for the first time in his career. But Ilia Topuria’s glove tampering allegation has Gaethje on the defensive. ‘The Highlight’ recently spoke out against the rumors, suggesting that people won’t believe such lies.
“I’m just enjoying being the champ,” Gaethje said. “People don’t believe that. People don’t believe that I’ve done that to everybody’s face that I fought.
Justin Gaethje is known for his love for violence. Arguably the most entertaining and ferocious fighter under the UFC banner, Gaethje continues to impress with his aggressive displays inside the octagon.
Unlikely to fight this year, Gaethje is looking forward to defending his title for the first time. The question of who Gaethje will fight next remains, but one name keeps being mentioned: Ilia Topuria.
While seemingly against the thought of an immediate rematch, Gaethje revealed that, after putting a beating on Topuria last time out, he would welcome a second bout.
“We’ll see. Time will tell,” Gaethje added. “Am I willing to? I just beat the sh*t out of him; of course I would [fight him again].”
Justin Gaethje responds to Ilia Topuria’s accusations that he loaded his gloves:
“People don’t believe that. I’ve done that to everybody’s face that I fought.
Am I willing to [rematch him]? I just beat the sh*t out of him, of course I would.”
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— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 17, 2026