What’s next for Ilia Topuria after shocking UFC 250 loss?
After his fourth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 250 Freedom, the Hispano-Georgian’s next steps have taken a dramatic turn.
On Sunday, the unthinkable happened. Ilia Topuria lost both his lightweight title and his undefeated record, suffering a fourth-round TKO defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 250 Freedom, an outcome that once seemed impossible.
The Hispano-Georgian fighter sustained a fractured orbital bone but will not require surgery, which should help speed up his recovery. Even so, he is expected to be out of action for several months, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
“El Matador” had several major opportunities on the table. The first was a showdown with Islam Makhachev, a clash between the No. 1 and No. 2 pound-for-pound fighters, both double champions, potentially vying for a third weight division. It was arguably the biggest fight that could be made in MMA today. The bout was even being lined up to headline a White House event. But despite feeling closer than ever, it now seems further away than ever.
In fact, Makhachev wasted no time mocking Topuria after the loss. “He who exalts himself will be humbled! There are levels to this game! Congratulations, Justin, you deserve this belt more than anyone!"
“To quit in the biggest fight of your career - is something not everybody can do. Real Le Layenda,” the Russian wrote on X. For now, it appears fans will have to wait to see this highly anticipated clash.
Another name frequently mentioned was Conor McGregor. The Irishman is set to return to the cage after more than five years away, doing so in less than a month during International Fight Week in Las Vegas against Max Holloway. Aleksandre Topuria told AS that he would love to see “The Notorious” win so he could face his brother. Now, that possibility is also uncertain, although even a loss for McGregor wouldn’t necessarily rule out an intriguing matchup.
“Justin, congratulations. You said you’d leave your mark on my face… and you did,” Topuria wrote on Instagram. “You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too. No excuses. I had one of the best camps of my life. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night. That’s the nature of this game. Glory and pain walk side by side.”
“I’ll heal. I’ll rest. And I’ll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous,” Topuria said. “And trust me… this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch," Ilia shared on social media.
A rematch with Gaethje would seem like the fair outcome, but the American doesn’t appear interested. “I’m a big fan of Ilia. I don’t want to say anything bad about him, but he’s in the hospital. I definitely say ‘no’ to a rematch,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Ruffy, who defeated Michael Chandler on the same card, revealed that he is already in talks to be next in line for a title shot. Arman Tsarukyan still doesn’t seem to interest Dana White, although he was quick to criticize Topuria, posting: “Ilia ‘no mas’ Topuria.”
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