Justin Gaethje issues first response to Ilia Topuria claiming he loaded his gloves at White House in furious statement

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has responded to accusations that he loaded his gloves before his UFC Freedom 250 victory over Ilia Topuria.

Gaethje handed out a brutal beating to Topuria at the White House in June as the Spanish-Georgian quit on his stool after the fourth round.

Topuria’s face was visibly battered and bruised, with it later emerging that he had suffered two broken orbital bones.

In the weeks that followed, the 29-year-old was pictured without sunglasses, with his eyes still appearing red.

Topuria’s strength and conditioning coach, Jesus Gallo, issued an update to Spanish media, suggesting the former lightweight champion could return to the octagon by the end of the year.

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On September 16, the fighter issued a major update via X, claiming he had been medically cleared to return to MMA two months on from his defeat to Gaethje while also appearing to suggest his opponent had loaded his gloves.

Topuria wrote: “Final medical tests done. I’m back. To all the clowns who’ve been talking shit and counting me out this whole time, here I am. Now let’s see who’s got the balls. Thanks to everyone for the support. Next time I’ll make sure they check Justin’s gloves so he doesn’t put anything weird on them. See you soon.”

The theory first surfaced in the immediate aftermath of UFC Freedom 250, with a small section of fans claiming Topuria suffered such extreme facial damage due to Gaethje illegally putting something in his gloves.

It must be noted that there is nothing to suggest this is true.

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Justin Gaethje addresses loaded gloves claims

Gaethje first addressed the claims during an appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, describing the accusations as a “compliment”.

“What a compliment,” Gaethje said. “People saying I’m juiced, what a compliment. People saying I’ve got bricks in my f—king gloves, what a compliment.”

The lightweight champion has now responded to Topuria’s latest claims via X, writing: “94 days, and the best you could come up with is a lame excuse. As terrible as your last performance. Do better, kid.”

Meanwhile, a video of Gaethje walking through an airport and addressing the accusations has also surfaced on social media, with the veteran adding: “People don't believe that. I've done that to everybody's face that I fought. Am I willing to [rematch him]? I just beat the sh*t out of him, of course I would.”

Dana White issues major update on Ilia Topuria return

Last week, UFC president Dana White made it clear that Topuria is ready to return to the octagon, admitting that he’d like to see him fight long-time foe Paddy Pimblett.

“Our guys are always in touch with [Topuria's team],” White said on The Jim Rome Show.

“We don't have him on the schedule right now, but Topuria's ready to fight, and we're ready for him.”

When asked whether a rematch with Gaethje is more likely than the Pimblett fight, he added: “Both sound good to me. They're both great.

“We don't lose with either one of those fights. Obviously, the rematch with Gaethje is incredible.

“The Paddy Pimblett fight is amazing, as bad as those two hate each other.”