Ex-UFC star dissects conspiracy theories on Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria 'loaded gloves' allegations

Justin Gaethje became the first to defeat UFC superstar Ilia Topuria in the sport of MMA. He achieved the feat earlier this year.

The win fetched Gaethje the UFC lightweight championship, a belt he still holds. The American fighter bested the then-unbeaten Topuria via fourth-round TKO in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Certain sections of the combat sports community claimed that the US authorities and commissions involved in organizing the fight at the White House, with US President Donald Trump in attendance, unfairly favored America's Gaethje. They particularly cast aspersions on the gloves he used against his Georgian-Spaniard opponent, Topuria. 

Topuria himself put forth an X post last month, wherein he suggested that Gaethje had used loaded/hardened gloves to illegally inflict damage on and beat him. Well, a former UFC star has now weighed in on the debacle. 

Colby Covington dissects conspiracy theories about Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria gloves debacle

In his latest appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, former UFC star Colby Covington chimed in on the conspiracy theories surrounding the Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria fight. 

Covington indicated that both sides of the gloves story ought to be examined, as corruption in the athletic commissions and other authorities is not unknown to anyone. "Chaos" seems to believe that, as such, the possibility of Gaethje having used loaded gloves can't be ruled out. The inaugural and reigning RAF cruiserweight crossover titleholder explained: 

"I don't know that I really think it, Ariel. But I think that we'd be stupid not to think that it wasn't a possibility. You know, with how much corruption we've seen through, you know, commissions, boxing, this and that, with the history, I don't know."

Covington continued, "I did see his (Justin Gaethje's) hand getting raised and just some weird stuff. It didn't look like normal white tape. It looked like off-color, like, -- I don't know. I'm not saying that it did happen. But I'm also saying that I don't know if it did happen. So, I'm not a conspiracy theorist, Ariel. But I like to look at every scenario that can happen in life." 

Watch Colby Covington discuss the loaded gloves controversy featuring Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria below (*comments at the 27:18-minute mark of the video below): 

Colby Covington returns at RAF Abu Dhabi; Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria UFC rematch seems unlikely

Colby Covington is expected to put his RAF cruiserweight crossover belt at stake against longtime foe and critic, Khamzat Chimaev. He had some fighting words for Chimaev ahead of their headlining match that'll take place at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14. 

On the other hand, many believe that Justin Gaethje is likely to attempt to defend his UFC lightweight championship against top 155-pound contender Arman Tsarukyan early next year. Gaethje has repeatedly emphasized that he isn't interested in facing Ilia Topuria in a rematch.

Alternatively, Gaethje has hinted that he might not face Tsarukyan or anyone next, instead choosing to retire from MMA.