Yesterday, Ilia Topuria shocked the MMA world by accusing Justin Gaethje of cheating during their UFC Freedom 250 bout in June. The Georgian-Spaniard seemingly suggested that Gaethje had tampered with his gloves, leading to his defeat. The allegation sparked a heated back-and-forth between the two on social media. Despite the attention it has generated, Dana White doesn’t seem particularly interested in getting involved.

During the Power Slap 23 event, White went live with Nina Drama on Kick, where she asked him about Topuria’s accusation against the lightweight champion. While the UFC CEO admitted he was unaware of the ongoing exchange, he made it clear that he does not care about it regardless, because “it’s bulls–t.”

“No. I’m gonna say, ‘I missed all the good stuff, huh?’ I don’t go on social media as much as people think I do,” White said. “I try to stay away from the fight stuff because most of it’s bulls–t. Social media is full of s–t. It’s a crazy place.”

Ilia Topuria’s post accusing Gaethje of cheating during their June 14 clash has now amassed 12 million views on X, making it one of the biggest talking points in the MMA world at the moment.

Given the attention surrounding the allegation, Dana White’s admission that he had not even followed the exchange is certainly surprising. However, his lack of interest in fighters trading words online is nothing new. 

Most notably, White showed little interest in addressing the social media feud between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall last year, when the two were repeatedly trading shots online ahead of their ultimately scrapped heavyweight championship fight.

“Unless we come out and say something, it’s all bulls–t,” White had said. “I just don’t get sucked into that stuff anymore. I don’t even care.”

White’s approach is understandable given that fighters trading barbs can add interest to a potential matchup. Getting involved could also interfere with what the fighters want to say publicly, regardless of whether their claims are accurate.

That could be particularly relevant in Topuria and Gaethje’s case. The former lightweight champion has already expressed interest in a rematch, and his latest accusation could be his way of attempting to make it happen.

This also isn’t the first time Ilia Topuria has accused other fighters of cheating, either. Previously, the former two-division champion called some Dagestani fighters “super cheaters” during the UFC 308 media day, while excluding Khabib Nurmagomedov from his criticism. The Spaniard was taking a dig at what he described as the history of alleged steroid use among some fighters from the region.

Regardless of the veracity of his latest claim, Topuria has now completed his final medical checks and is cleared to return to competition. His coach, Jesus Gallo, said the team is eyeing a return in February next year. With the UFC CEO having already expressed interest in a potential rematch, the latest back-and-forth could very well add interest to the possibility of the two meeting again.

Justin Gaethje, meanwhile, has already responded to the accusation, dismissing it as an excuse after his victory at UFC Freedom 250.

“94 days and the best you could come up with is a lame excuse,” Gaethje wrote on X. “As terrible as your last performance. Do better kid.”

But Dana White and Justin Gaethje aren’t the only prominent figures to have reacted to Topuria’s accusation. UFC commentator Jon Anik also shared his thoughts on the matter.

Jon Anik reacts to Ilia Topuria alleging Justin Gaethje of glove tampering

While Dana White was attending the Power Slap event, Jon Anik took his place as the host of the UFC 331 pre-fight press conference. During the presser, a reporter asked Anik about Topuria’s allegation against Gaethje, and the UFC play-by-play commentator offered an interesting perspective.

Anik pointed to Gaethje’s genetics and bone density as natural advantages that contribute to the damage caused by his punches. The long-time commentator also suggested that Topuria could be angling for a rematch with the man who handed him the first defeat of his professional career.

“Justin Gaethje has tremendous genetics,” Anik said. “Even after that win over Ilia Topuria, he acknowledged his parents’ bone density. I think anybody who has shaken Justin Gaethje’s hands knows that that guy’s got some natural gifts, and he used them to the best of his ability on June 14th.

“Not sure if Topuria is maybe angling for a rematch or what, but I think those words were probably a little bit forgettable, and I probably think he would recognize that as well.”

Anik’s suggestion is notable because he had already indicated that the UFC was discussing a potential rematch.

On the Anik & Florian Podcast with his twin brother Jason Anik, the UFC commentator said “conversations” had been taking place within the promotion about a potential rematch between Topuria and Gaethje. However, he also stated that Paddy Pimblett remains an option as well.

As such, Anik believes Ilia Topuria’s latest accusations could be an attempt to secure his next title shot. Whether that approach ultimately works remains to be seen. For now, their latest exchange has certainly given their rivalry another talking point.