Justin Gaethje Pulled off a historic upset against Topuria
Ultimate Fighting ChampionshipA White House event last June. Topuria was a huge favorite going into his first UFC lightweight title defense against then-interim champion Gaethje, who forced a stoppage before the final round.
Topuria recently made some curious claims about the fight, drawing a strong reaction from Tsarukyan.
Arman Tsarukyan tells Ilia Topuria to accept his loss to Justin Gaethje
Gaethje survived a treacherous second round before battering Topuria in the third and fourth frames.
UFC Freedom 250. “El Matador” suffered extensive facial damage during the fight and his vision was significantly impaired. Topuria recently announced that he is medically cleared to return to action. He also demanded a rematch against Gaethje, claiming the champion put something “weird” in his gloves, prompting a response from Tsarukyan, who said it was impossible for Gaethje to cheat with the Sports Commission checking every step of the way.
Tsarukyan believes that Topuria is looking for excuses, which is the wrong way to deal with defeat. Topuria should accept his loss and find out what mistakes he made.
“Just apologies,” Tsarukyan Carlos Contreras told Legaspi. “How can the committee allow (Gaethje) to wear different gloves? They stay in, check. Just excuses. You have to accept what actually happened. You have to start with what you did wrong. No excuses and no glove talk.”
Gaethje has dealt significant damage to most of his opponents in the UFC, even in defeat, with many fellow lightweights praising his power over the years, including Hall of Famers. Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Last medical tests done. I’m back. To all the clowns that have been talking crap all this time and figuring me out, here I am. Now let’s see who has the balls. Thanks everyone for your support. Next time I’ll be sure to check Justin’s gloves to make sure he doesn’t put anything on…
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia)
September 16, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan reacts Ilia Topuria‘s post, saying he’ll check next time to make sure there’s nothing “weird.” Justin Gaethje‘s gloves.
“Start with what you did wrong, not make excuses.”#UFC331
pic.twitter.com/DYVmUioYqt— Carlos Contreras Legaspi 🦁 (@CCLegaspi)
September 16, 2026
