Abdelaziz Ruled Out Gaethje and Topuria Rematch
Manager Ali Abdelaziz dismissed calls for a rematch following Ilia Topuria's accusations of glove tampering.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Manager Ali Abdelaziz has officially ruled out a rematch between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. The decision follows recent allegations from Topuria claiming that Gaethje used irregular equipment during their June 2026 bout.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on allegations made 94 days after their initial fight at UFC Freedom 250, which ended in a fourth-round corner stoppage. Abdelaziz dismissed the claims as a tactical distraction from other ongoing UFC event coverage.
Official inspections by the California State Athletic Commission found all gloves and wraps used at UFC Freedom 250 were fully compliant. The initial contest between the two fighters concluded via a fourth-round corner stoppage.
The players
Ali Abdelaziz
He is a prominent mixed martial arts manager who represents several high-profile fighters in the UFC.
Justin Gaethje
He is a 37-year-old professional mixed martial artist known for his aggressive fighting style and endurance.
Ilia Topuria
He is a professional mixed martial artist who competed against Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
California State Athletic Commission
This government body is responsible for overseeing and regulating combat sports events within the state of California.
Andy Foster
He is an official representing the California State Athletic Commission who confirmed that the equipment used in the fight was compliant.
The details
Ilia Topuria alleged that there was something weird inside Gaethje's gloves nearly three months after their meeting in the octagon. In response, manager Ali Abdelaziz stated that Gaethje has already decisively defeated his opponent and will not grant him another fight.
Timeline
The initial fight between Gaethje and Topuria took place in June 2026.
Ilia Topuria made his public allegations regarding the gloves in September 2026.
Ali Abdelaziz confirmed the denial of a rematch on September 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This dispute marks a departure from typical post-fight discourse by relying on formal commission validation to address equipment controversies. It reinforces the authority of the standard UFC post-fight glove inspection protocols in settling disputes between competitors.
The firm denial of a rematch effectively removes this specific pairing from the immediate title picture and future fight cards. Fantasy rosters and sports betting markets should adjust for the fact that no official bout between these two athletes is currently pending.
The takeaway
The resolution of this equipment dispute emphasizes the importance of independent commission inspections in maintaining fighter credibility. Fans and observers should note that professional fighting records remain static when post-fight allegations lack formal evidentiary support.
Further reading
Find more coverage of fighters and professional bouts in the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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