Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) officials are weighing in on Ilia Topuria’s allegations against Justin Gaethje, and they’re not siding with “El Matador.”
Topuria lost for the first time in his career when he fought Justin Gaethje on the White House lawn in June. The Spanish-Georgian fighter seemed a little too eager and cocky as he walked early in the fight directly under Gaethje’s rule chasing a quick knockout. This led to damage that eventually left him blind to fight two broken orbitals. His corner would throw in the towel after the fourth round.
Since then, we haven’t heard much from Topuria until last week, when she released several high-quality ads on Instagram. less catastrophic spin of loss and possible return. On Tuesday, he was back on X (formerly Twitter) blaming Gaethje charging his gloves.
“Next time I’ll definitely check Justin’s gloves to make sure he doesn’t put anything weird on them,” Topuria wrote.
Don’t worry man. Commissions are already doing this.
Andy Foster is the director of the California State Athletic Commission. He was also one of the guys in charge of overseeing the UFC Freedom 250 card in DC, and he ended Topuria’s prosecution.
“His gloves and wraps were neat and within the rules,” Andy Foster told USA TODAY Sports. “Also well inspected by multiple inspectors.”
Legendary referee Big John McCarthy also weighed in on social media.
“Trevor Whitman wrapped Justin’s arms with a knowledgeable state inspector watching the entire process,” McCarthy tweeted. “He will sign this envelope and that he has inspected it. There is no merit to the accusation in any case.”
Those who believe Gaethje loaded his gloves point to the growing coil bulge in the palm of Justin’s glove — they say “The Highlight” has used a plaster of Paris-style substance to harden the coils when sweat is applied. It was the same “trick” Antonio Margarito was captured using in 2009 against Shane Mosley.
It was the last major glove-loading scandal in boxing, and although Margarito only received a one-year ban, it still led to commissions increasing pre- and post-fight glove inspections. The official not only checks the hand packs before the fight, but also after the fight. Add in MMA gloves that are much smaller in size and it would be extremely difficult to sneak loaded gloves into and out of a fight.
It looks like Topuria will have a chance to find out how he fares against Gaethje in his second fight. “El Matador” has made it clear that he wants an immediate rematch and we never knew UFC to leave a huge rematch of the biggest fight of the year.