UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has rejected Ilia Topuria’s insinuation that he cheated to win their fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
Topuria, 29, retired on his stool at the end of the fourth round, losing the title on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington DC.
The Georgian-Spaniard was previously unbeaten but sustained serious injuries to his eye in the defeat as American Gaethje became undisputed champion for the first time.
After a three-month recovery period, Topuria confirmed on X that he has recovered and is ready to return to the octagon, while also taking aim at Gaethje.
“Final medical tests done. I’m back,” Topuria posted.
“To all the clowns who’ve been counting me out this whole time, here I am.
“Next time I’ll make sure they check Justin’s gloves so he doesn’t put anything weird on them. See you soon.”
Responding to those allegations, Gaethje, 37, replied: “94 days and the best you could come up with is a lame excuse. As terrible as your last performance. Do better kid.”
Topuria reigned as featherweight champion before vacating the title and moving up a division to beat Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight belt.
He was making his first defence against interim champion Gaethje.
Gaethje is yet to book his next fight and a rematch between the pair could be on the cards, although Arman Tsarukyan, who faces Mauricio Ruffy, at UFC 331 on Saturday claims UFC president Dana White has promised a title shot to the winner.
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