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Ali Abdelaziz does not expect Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria to run it back next. The manager says he believes Gaethje has Topuria figured out and does not see a second fight coming together. Gaethje beat Topuria by fourth-round corner stoppage at UFC Freedom 250 in June, handing the former two-division champion the first defeat of his professional career and taking the undisputed lightweight title.

Topuria was recently cleared to compete again after completing medical tests, but his return message took an unexpected turn when he suggested there had been something “weird” in Gaethje’s gloves during their title fight.

Ali Abdelaziz Confirms No Justin Gaethje vs Ilia Topuria Rematch

Speaking about the rematch talk, Abdelaziz shut down the idea that Gaethje will be Topuria’s next opponent. He’s not fighting Justin Gaethje next,” Abdelaziz said. “I believe Justin Gaethje will beat him nine out of 10 time. You know why? Justin have his number… this fight will never happen. I can tell you this.”

That is a firm stance from the man who manages the US-born UFC lightweight champion, even with UFC CEO Dana White having previously left the door open to another meeting. Topuria’s name has been linked with both Gaethje, 37, and Paddy Pimblett after he was cleared to return, while Gaethje himself has indicated that he would be willing to face Topuria again.

Topuria’s comments arrived three months after the loss. In a social-media post announcing his return, he said he would make sure Gaethje’s gloves were checked next time so he could not put anything “weird” inside them. He then aimed profanity at both the 37-year-old fighter and Abdelaziz.

The implication sparked a fast response across MMA. The American UFC light weight champion mocked the timing of the accusation, replying that 94 days had passed before Topuria came back with what he called a “lame excuse.” The 37-year-old fighter had already joked about claims that he had “bricks” in his gloves, framing the chatter as praise for his punching power.

Abdelaziz took a similar approach in comments shared by Submission Radio. He said that calling Gaethje’s hands unusually hard was effectively a compliment, then pointed to the oversight around the bout.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Justin Gaethje strikes Ilia Topuria of Spain in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“If Ilia wants to say that Justin had rocks in his hands, that’s a compliment to Justin and how hard he punches,” Abdelaziz said. “The Las Vegas Commission was there, the D.C. Commission was there – three commissions watched him fight with those gloves.”

He also argued that Topuria’s timing was deliberate. The comments surfaced during fight week for Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC 331 bout with Mauricio Ruffy, a five-round co-main event that ended with Tsarukyan knocking Ruffy out with elbows. Abdelaziz believes the glove discussion was designed to pull focus from that matchup.

There has been no public finding that Gaethje used illegal equipment. Andy Foster, executive director of the California State Athletic Commission and one of the officials who oversaw the White House event, said his gloves and wraps were compliant and examined by more than one inspector. “His gloves and wraps were fine and totally within regulations,” Foster said. “Also well inspected by multiple inspectors.”

Topuria is eligible to fight again, but Abdelaziz’s remarks suggest the US-born athlete’s team sees little value in offering an immediate repeat. From their side, the result was decisive, the equipment was cleared, and Gaethje has already beaten Topuria once.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Justin Gaethje strikes Ilia Topuria of Spain in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)