Additional Coverage:
Justin Gaethje has sharply rebuffed Ilia Topuria following accusations that Gaethje cheated during their UFC title unification bout earlier this year.
The two fighters faced off in June, with Gaethje stunning fans by forcing Topuria’s corner to pull him out before the final round. Topuria’s team later revealed he had suffered fractures to both orbital bones but avoided surgery. Despite a significant medical suspension, Topuria recently announced on social media that he has been medically cleared to fight again.
Alongside his comeback news, Topuria took a jab at Gaethje, hinting at foul play during their matchup. On X, Topuria wrote, “Final medical tests done.
I’m back. To all the clowns talking s*** and counting me out, here I am.
Now let’s see who’s got the balls. Thanks 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.”
Gaethje quickly dismissed the allegations, firing back, “94 days and the best you could come up with is a lame excuse. As terrible as your last performance. Do better, kid.”
Topuria responded again with a blunt message aimed at Gaethje and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz: “By the way, Justin, f— you. And Ali, f— you too.”
Abdelaziz, unwilling to let the insult slide, replied, “Welcome back Champ, I’m glad you’re okay. I’m not gonna give you the F word back because your son is my friend, and I cannot say bad words to his father. Tell him I said what’s up, he is the man.”
Topuria fired back once more, telling Abdelaziz, “Don’t bring my son into this. You being his friend has nothing to do with me and you.
You know exactly why I said what I said. So don’t hide behind him.
F— you still stands.”
The heated exchange underscores the ongoing tension between the fighters as Topuria prepares for his return to the octagon.