Ilia Topuria Cleared for UFC Return and Takes Parting Shot at Gaethje
Topuria is medically cleared three months after losing his title and wants Gaethje's gloves checked next time.
Ilia Topuria is back. Three months after losing his featherweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, the former champion announced on social media that he has completed final medical testing and received clearance to compete again.
"Final medical tests done. I'm back," Topuria wrote, per Sherdog. He did not stop there. Taking aim at the man who dethroned him, Topuria added: "Next time I'll make sure they check Justin's gloves so he doesn't put anything weird on them."
Topuria sustained significant facial damage during the Gaethje fight, with his vision severely affected by the fourth round. His corner called for the fight to end, handing Gaethje the undisputed featherweight championship. The loss was Topuria's first as a professional.
The glove comment did not sit well with everyone. Arman Tsarukyan, who headlines UFC 331 this weekend against Mauricio Ruffy, dismissed Topuria's implication in comments reported by Sherdog. "Just excuses," Tsarukyan said, suggesting Topuria is not handling his first loss well.
A rematch between Topuria and Gaethje is widely rumored, though Gaethje has indicated he will not return to action until 2027. The featherweight division is stacked with contenders in the meantime, including Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett, all of whom are pursuing title opportunities.
No specific fight date has been announced for Topuria's comeback. But with the medical clearance in hand and trash talk already flying, the former champion is making it clear he has no plans to wait quietly.
Good news first. Topuria is medically cleared and the eyes are fine. After the damage he took at Freedom 250, that was never a given, and a healthy Ilia is great for the sport. Then he had to ruin it with the gloves line.
Saying you will make sure they check Justin's gloves next time is not trash talk, it is an excuse dressed up as a joke. Gaethje broke him down over four rounds until the corner stopped it. That was not something weird on the gloves. That was Justin Gaethje being Justin Gaethje. Arman calling it excuses is exactly right, and Arman is not exactly known for restraint.
The rematch is going to happen eventually because it sells, but Gaethje says 2027 and Tsarukyan is in front of everyone. Topuria's best move is to take a real fight in the meantime and remind people how good he is with his hands. Not his mouth.
KEEP TALKING FIGHTS.
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