Gaethje defends Topuria's corner after UFC White House title upset: 'His body was too compromised'

Justin Gaethje is correcting the narrative around his stunning UFC lightweight title win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House, insisting the Georgian did not quit — and that his corner made the right call to protect him.

Gaethje claimed the undisputed lightweight belt when Topuria’s corner stopped the fight at the end of Round 4, completing what many are calling one of the greatest upsets in UFC championship history. The widespread framing that Topuria quit on the stool has drawn a firm rebuttal from the new champion.

“He didn’t quit on the stool,” Gaethje told Steiny. “His body was too compromised to continue fighting. He didn’t make the call, his coaches made the call because they’re there to protect him. My coaches are in my corner to protect me in those times.”

The generous assessment stands in contrast to Topuria’s own conduct since the defeat. After initially congratulating Gaethje, the former two-division champion alleged that Gaethje had loaded his gloves before their clash on the South Lawn — a claim that has drawn significant attention online.

Gaethje, however, is not losing sleep over it. “Not really,” he said when asked if Topuria’s comments bothered him. “He’s part of your era. You guys say weird shit for fun, dude. … I think the internet’s crazy, man. It’s clickbait, engagement, we’re farming out here. We’re farming for interactions. That’s what we’re doing. More interactions, more eyeballs, more opportunity. … That’s the game. I don’t like the game but I’m going to have to play the game. I’m going to try and be me when I do it.”

Topuria and others have been pushing for an immediate rematch, but Gaethje’s attention appears fixed on Arman Tsarukyan, who recently delivered a high-profile finish to cement his status as the division’s leading contender.

“I think it’s natural and obvious that they’re going to try and figure out who the next guy is,” Gaethje said. “Arman just had a huge fight, a huge finish, so I think, obviously, he’s at the forefront of everybody’s mind and he’s clearly the next contender.”

Gaethje has not yet committed to a return date or opponent, but his comments leave little doubt about who he believes has earned the first shot at his newly won title.