MMA officials reject Topuria’s Gaethje allegations

Officials defend Gaethje after Topuria’s glove accusations

MMA officials have rejected the allegations made by Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje.

After suffering the first loss of his career, Ilia Topuria claimed that Justin Gaethje’s gloves may have been tampered with. On X, he wrote:

“Next time I’ll make sure they check Justin’s gloves so he doesn’t put anything weird on them”

Andy Forster of the California State Athletic Commission, however, strongly denied the allegation. The gloves and wraps appear to have been completely normal and had already been checked several times. Referee John McCarthy also spoke up, saying that a state inspector had supervised the wrapping process and approved it.

“Trevor Whitman wrapped Justin’s hands with a knowledgeable State inspector watching the entire process. He signs off on that wrap and that it was inspected by him. There is no validity to the allegation in anyway”

he wrote on X.

This effectively dismisses the allegations made by Ilia Topuria. After the fight, however, it’s understandable where this claim came from, since his face was already pretty battered. Ilia Topuria is apparently calling for a rematch and wants to make up for it there; we’ll find out soon whether it will actually happen.

I think it’s good that so many people immediately spoke out against the allegations, since it could otherwise get tough for Justin Gaethje. I’m really curious to see whether the UFC will actually order a rematch or not. What do you think?