This is an Open Scoring MMA News Alert. Paddy Pimblett isn't buying Ilia Topuria's explanation for losing the lightweight title. Topuria has accused Justin Gaethje of loading his gloves during their title fight, and Pimblett wants none of it. Both outlets covering the comments, MiddleEasy and Bloody Elbow, report that Pimblett flatly rejected the accusation while talking about the state of the lightweight title picture. His reasoning was simple. 'The commission watches you get your hands wrapped. I think Ilia's just being a sore loser,' Pimblett said. The fight itself is not in dispute. Ilia Topuria lost to Justin Gaethje. Gaethje rates one thousand five hundred seventy-nine over the same six fight sample. His Elo sits at one thousand five hundred sixty-four through six bouts, lower than both Topuria and Gaethje, but he clearly does not see that gap as a reason to hold his tongue about a rival's excuse. The comments have kicked off a thread on r/MMA, where fans are debating whether Topuria has a legitimate grievance or whether Pimblett's blunt take is the correct read. With Gaethje holding the belt and Topuria still ranked in the division, any rematch conversation is likely to keep dragging this glove claim back into the spotlight.
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This story ran in the September 21, 2026 edition of the daily show.
