Arman Tsarukyan Criticized Ilia Topuria Over Glove Allegations

Arman Tsarukyan condemned claims that Justin Gaethje used loaded gloves during their UFC Freedom 250 fight.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Arman Tsarukyan Criticized Ilia Topuria Over Glove Allegations

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UFC lightweight fighter Arman Tsarukyan has publicly challenged Ilia Topuria for accusing Justin Gaethje of wearing illegal, loaded gloves at UFC Freedom 250. Regulator Andy Foster has since confirmed that the gloves used during the bout were entirely legal.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the intense scrutiny placed on fighter equipment in the UFC, as well as the personal rivalries that often shape the division's future title picture. Tsarukyan's defense of Gaethje comes as he positions himself for a potential title fight against him.

Arman Tsarukyan competes in the UFC lightweight division, which maintains a weight limit of 155 lbs. The UFC Freedom 250 bout concluded via a corner stoppage due to excessive damage sustained during the fight.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

He is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC lightweight division who is slated to face Mauricio Ruffy.

Ilia Topuria

He is a professional fighter who suffered a loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Justin Gaethje

He is a prominent UFC fighter who holds a victory over Ilia Topuria and is planning a return to competition in 2027.

Andy Foster

He serves as a high-ranking athletic regulator who verified the legality of the equipment used during the UFC event.

The details

Ilia Topuria attributed his loss at UFC Freedom 250 to the alleged use of loaded gloves, prompting a direct rebuttal from Arman Tsarukyan during an interview with ESPN Deportes. Regulators checked and monitored all fighter equipment before the event, confirming the compliance of the gear used by Gaethje.

September 19, 2026: UFC 331 takes place at Crypto.com Arena.
2027: Justin Gaethje is expected to return to the cage.

Season Trajectory

This controversy underscores the fragile nature of the lightweight division rankings as top contenders look toward future title opportunities. The outcome impacts the current competitive narrative, specifically positioning Tsarukyan for a potential clash with Gaethje following his upcoming bout at UFC 331.

The public dispute sets the stage for a potential high-stakes matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, provided Tsarukyan secures an impressive victory against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331. This rivalry creates significant interest for fantasy rosters and betting markets looking toward future title picture shifts in the 155 lb division.

The takeaway

Fighter allegations regarding equipment often overshadow the technical results of a match, even when regulators confirm compliance. Fans and analysts should prioritize official commission findings over individual post-fight accusations to better gauge division standings.