TOPURIA ACCUSES GAETHJE OF GLOVE TAMPERING AHEAD OF RETURN

Ilia Topuria has announced on social media platform X that he has completed his final medical tests and is ready to return to competition, while accusing Justin Gaethje of tampering with his gloves during their bout at UFC Freedom 250 in June. In a post on X, the Georgian-Spanish fighter wrote "final medical tests done" and "I'm back", dismissing critics as "clowns" who had counted him out. He added that he would "make sure they check Justin's gloves" in any future contest "so he doesn't put anything weird on them". The post did not set out further evidence for the claim against Gaethje.

Topuria had been serving a 180-day medical suspension imposed after the June bout, which is set to end in December, according to the report. The fight against Gaethje was contested for the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. The report noted that gloves undergo several layers of inspection before a bout, raising questions over how tampering could occur. A separate report said Topuria, known by the nickname "El Matador", had also responded on social media after Gaethje's manager made reference to his son, though details of that exchange were not included in the report.

With his medical tests complete, Topuria has indicated he intends to resume fighting once his suspension ends in December. He has not specified an opponent or date for his next bout. His comments about Gaethje's gloves have not been addressed by Gaethje or his camp in the material reviewed. No further action or investigation into the accusation has been confirmed.