Khamzat Chimaev Defends Ilia Topuria From Hatred After Losing Undefeated Status in 2026

Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev had a short but powerful message for all the trolls targeting Ilia Topuria.

Khamzat Chimaev Defends Ilia Topuria From Hatred After Losing Undefeated Status in 2026

Khamzat Chimaev comes to Ilia Topuria's support (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

Ilia Topuria was brimming with confidence before his UFC Freedom 250 title lightweight clash against Justin Gaethje. The Spaniard predicted a first-round knockout and even hosted a party before the event, fully believing in victory. However, after suffering his first career loss to Gaethje, the Spaniard became the target of widespread trolling.

This prompted former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev to come to his defense. In the lead-up to fight week, Topuria made bold predictions about completely dominating Gaethje and repeatedly insisted the bout would not last beyond the opening round.

However, the Spaniard struggled to match Gaethje’s striking output and relentless pressure, who landed a brutal 91 strikes with 66 to the head. The punishment eventually forced his corner to stop the contest, resulting in a TKO loss and the first defeat of Topuria’s professional career.

Following the defeat, several figures from the MMA community, including Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett, took aim at Topuria on social media. Their posts emphasized the importance of humility and pointed to the risks of making bold predictions before a fight. However, Chimaev viewed the situation differently and chose to focus on the respect owed to fighters competing at the highest level.

Those who rejoice at the defeats of others will never see greatness in this sport.

Khamzat Chimaev via X

Chimaev’s message carried extra weight given his own recent experience with a career-first loss against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. While that loss was not as brutal as the one Topuria suffered against Gaethje, ‘Borz’ had entered the bout with a similar aura of dominance. He also engaged heavily in trash talk before the fight, making his defense of Topuria’s situation particularly noteworthy and understandable.

The buildup to Chimaev’s clash with Strickland featured major shots from both sides, ranging from personal attacks to physical confrontations during fight week. Despite the hostility, both fighters adopted a respectful tone after the bout concluded. They acknowledged that much of the animosity was part of promoting the fight and helping generate greater interest and rewards for everyone involved.

Khamzat Chimaev’s own experience of suffering a first professional loss appears to have shaped his respectful response to the criticism aimed at ‘El Matador’. Rather than joining those who mock the former champion, he urged others to show respect for fighters who risk everything. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is yet to issue a statement after being transported to a hospital immediately following the fight.

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Justin Gaethje reflects on the war he waged against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje has built a reputation as one of MMA’s most entertaining fighters, regularly delivering thrilling battles. He has earned a Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night bonus in every UFC appearance, while his clash with Michael Chandler won 2021 Fight of the Year. However, UFC Freedom 250 marked a special moment as ‘The Highlight’ finally captured the undisputed lightweight title.

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250
Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 (via X)

For Gaethje, the bout marked his third and likely final attempt at capturing undisputed gold. Topuria arrived determined to give the veteran one of the toughest tests of his career, and many would argue he succeeded. Although Gaethje emerged looking relatively untouched and jokingly credited his father’s “German bones” for it, he acknowledged the physical and mental toll the fight took on both competitors.

I wouldn’t recommend this to my enemy. We are some of the toughest people on this earth, mentally and physically.

Justin Gaethje via UFC Freedom 250 press conference

Before the fight, Gaethje added intrigue by teasing a “secret plan,” though he ultimately revealed no further details. In contrast, Topuria was far more vocal, openly discussing his intended offensive approach and predicting how the fight would unfold. In the end, the clash lived up to its expectations, closing with both fighters pushed to their limits and reinforcing Gaethje’s reputation for unforgettable wars

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