Topuria clears medical tests three months after Gaethje stoppage and hints at rematch

Ilia Topuria has been medically cleared to return to competition three months after his corner stopped his lightweight title challenge against Justin Gaethje in the fourth round of their UFC Freedom 250 main event at the White House.

The former featherweight and lightweight champion announced the news on X, posting: “Final medical tests done. I’m back. To all the clowns who’ve been talking sh*t 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.”

Topuria, known as “El Matador”, sustained severe facial damage during the fight — significant enough to impair his vision — after Gaethje survived a near-finish in the second round and gradually took control of the bout. The corner stoppage after round four handed Gaethje the undisputed lightweight title.

A rematch between the two is strongly rumoured, though the lightweight division’s title picture is crowded. Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Paddy Pimblett are all coming off victories and have positioned themselves as contenders, while Gaethje has indicated he plans to return to action next year.

Topuria’s social media post, with its pointed insinuation about Gaethje’s gloves, suggests the Georgian-Spanish fighter is eager to settle the score and is unlikely to step aside for other contenders. Whether the UFC moves straight to a rematch or routes Gaethje through another challenger first remains to be seen.