Gaethje Dismisses Topuria Glove Claims, Eyes Tsarukyan for 2027 Title Defense
Justin Gaethje has ruled out an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria, arguing the Spaniard’s glove cheating accusations were a media distraction. Gaethje, who is recovering from hand injuries, suggests Topuria is undersized for lightweight and should return to featherweight. While Gaethje remains undecided on his future, he identifies Arman Tsarukyan as the logical next challenger, though Henry Cejudo proposes a series of preliminary bouts to determine the title contender.
Key points
- Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz claims Topuria’s glove accusations were timed to distract from UFC 331 and Arman Tsarukyan’s hype.
- Gaethje states he is undecided on fighting again due to hand injuries and age, but views Tsarukyan as the next in line for the title.
- Gaethje argues Topuria is too small for 155 lbs and should move back to featherweight to face Alexander Volkanovski.
- Henry Cejudo suggests the UFC crown an interim champion or hold preliminary fights between Topuria, Pimblett, Tsarukyan, and Nurmagomedov.
Background
Following Gaethje’s fourth-round TKO victory over Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June, Topuria suffered broken orbitals and a broken nose. Although initially cleared to return, Topuria recently accused Gaethje of manipulating his gloves, a claim Gaethje dismissed as a 'lame excuse' given the 94-day gap since the fight. Gaethje, 37, has cited 40 career fights and ongoing recovery as reasons for his uncertainty regarding a return to competition.
How outlets are covering it
Outlets highlight differing views on the glove controversy and future matchups. Bloody Elbow reports that manager Ali Abdelaziz views the accusation as a tactic to steal media attention from UFC 331. MMA Fighting and Heavy.com emphasize Gaethje’s belief that Topuria is undersized for lightweight and should move down to 145 lbs. MMA Sucka notes that Henry Cejudo proposes a complex series of fights to determine the next challenger, including a potential interim title bout between Topuria and Tsarukyan, due to Gaethje’s injury status.
Why it matters
The resolution of the glove dispute and the selection of Gaethje’s next opponent will define the trajectory of the lightweight division. If Gaethje retires or delays his return, the UFC must decide whether to crown an interim champion or book preliminary bouts, impacting the careers of top contenders like Tsarukyan, Pimblett, and Topuria.
What to watch
Gaethje will likely make a decision on his future in 2027 after recovering from hand injuries. The UFC may schedule preliminary bouts or an interim title fight to determine the next challenger if Gaethje does not defend his belt this year. Topuria is expected to return to the division, potentially facing Pimblett or other contenders.
- Justin Gaethje's manager shares new theory on Ilia Topuria's glove accusation as he rules out rematch Bloody Elbow
- Justin Gaethje thinks Ilia Topuria is too small for lightweight, says Arman Tsarukyan is ‘next in line’ MMA Fighting
- Henry Cejudo names who Paddy Pimblett and Usman Nurmagomedov should fight next if UFC star is actually 'hurt' Bloody Elbow
- Justin Gaethje Encourages Ilia Topuria to Move Back to 145 lbs heavy.com
- Henry Cejudo proposes major fights to determine Justin Gaethje's next UFC lightweight title challenger MMA Sucka
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