“I highly doubt it”: Alexander Volkanovski questions Ilia Topuria’s Justin Gaethje cheating claims

Ilia Topuria publicly accused Justin Gaethje of cheating in their fight with loaded gloves, sparking debate in the MMA community recently. Topuria's former foe, Alexander Volkanovski, weighed in on the ongoing discussion and shared his thoughts. 

Alexander Volkanovski casts doubt on Ilia Topuria’s Justin Gaethje glove claims

Speaking on ‘The Maclife’, Volkanovski said he had seen the claims about Gaethje’s gloves but questioned how such cheating could happen without anyone noticing. The Australian suggested that Topuria could be making the accusation simply to help secure a rematch.

“I remember seeing things pop up. There was something that come I don't know. I mean, how do you get away with those things? I don't think you could; I highly doubt it,” Volkanovski said. “Ilia just playing into that just to get the rematch and talk. Cause he's always been good. He's always played the game pretty well. Maybe he's just doing that.”

Volkanovski believes Topuria knows that the glove issue was not the main reason he lost. According to the Australian, Topuria could have used a different game plan and shown more respect for Gaethje’s striking. He explained that ‘El Matador’ needed to be ready for the fight to change if he could not get an early knockout. 

The Australian concluded saying that Gaethje executed a perfect gameplan and Topuria didn’t. He believes that if Spaniard gets the rematch against the reigning lightweight champion, ‘El Matador will approach the fight differently than the first one. 

“I think he's clever enough to know that that's not the exact reason,  why he lost. I think he knows he can change a bit of the game plan. maybe have that little bit more respect for Justin. if you don't get that knockout in the first round, this could happen. that could happen with anyone. Justin fought the perfect fight. I believe Ilia fought the wrong fight. I think he knows that. And if they have the rematch, I think he would take that fight with a different approach,” Volkanovski added

Check out Alexander Volkanovski’s comments below: 

What's next for Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski 

Topuria took a heavy beating from Gaethje at the White House in June. He couldn't continue after the fourth round, and his corner stopped the fight. The Spaniard left the White House with multiple injuries, with many believing he would be out of action for a long time.

That said, Topuria recently expressed that he is ready to make his comeback and pitched a rematch with Gaethje.

As for Volkanovski, he is set to defend his featherweight title against undefeated wrestling-heavy fighter Movsar Evloev in the headliner of UFC 333, which will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi next month.