‘Skilled’ Ilia Topuria Backed by Justin Gaethje to Beat Other Lightweights After First Career Defeat

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje acknowledges Ilia Topuria and backs the Spaniard to win other future matchups.

‘Skilled’ Ilia Topuria Backed by Justin Gaethje to Beat Other Lightweights After First Career Defeat

Justin Gaethje comes to Ilia Topuria's support (via X)

Ilia Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 with complete confidence, reflecting the self-belief that fueled his rise to a two-division championship success. However, the White House event ended differently when Justin Gaethje brutally defeated the Georgian-Spanish star, handing him his first professional loss. Despite the outcome, Gaethje has since addressed the fight with nothing but praise for Topuria’s abilities.

Interestingly, Topuria landed more significant strikes than Gaethje, 97-91, and even scored the fight’s only knockdown and takedown. However, Gaethje’s constant pressure and damaging punches inflicted far greater damage, forcing the Spaniard’s corner to stop the contest after Round 4. The TKO crowned Gaethje the undisputed lightweight champion and handed Topuria his first professional defeat

Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 as a -560 betting favorite, with expectations firmly behind the reigning champion. However, he absorbed increasing damage with every round against Gaethje yet continued standing toe-to-toe throughout. He even refused a doctor’s stoppage after Round 3 before returning for another round. This display of toughness that ultimately set the stage for Gaethje’s recent praise.

I hope nothing but the best for him. He’s very, very skilled. He’s got the skill to beat any of these guys, so I’m excited to watch it.

Justin Gaethje via ONX Sports

Gaethje’s recent praise marked a stark contrast to his relationship with Topuria before UFC Freedom 250. The pair traded personal insults throughout fight week, with tensions boiling over during the ceremonial faceoffs. Their bitter rivalry has since given way to mutual respect following their championship clash.

Gaethje also absorbed heavy punishment, with Topuria repeatedly landing uppercuts and body shots throughout the five-round fight. Despite the damage, the newly crowned lightweight champion appeared largely unfazed afterward and jokingly credited his genetics for how well he recovered.

Topuria has since praised Gaethje’s performance while calling for an immediate rematch following his first professional defeat. However, the Spaniard is currently serving a 180-day medical suspension. The layoff may potentially extend depending on his recovery from the significant damage suffered against Gaethje.

While Gaethje’s recent comments reflect newfound respect for Topuria, they also reinforce his stance against an immediate rematch. The American star has already stated that Topuria’s performance did not justify another title shot, leaving the former champion facing an uncertain path back to the belt.

However, Ilia Topuria has already been called out by multiple lightweight contenders following his title defeat. UFC veteran Michael Bisping also discussed the difficult road back after such a brutal first loss, highlighting the challenge ahead. ‘El Matador’ now faces the toughest chapter of his career.

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Justin Gaethje’s coach commends Ilia Topuria’s brother for his conduct after UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 as one of the UFC’s most feared knockout artists, expected to deliver another finish. However, Justin Gaethje’s durability and counterstriking left the Spaniard nearly unrecognizable. The devastating defeat left the former champion lowering his head in the Octagon.

However, one of Topuria’s biggest supporters remained his older brother, Aleksandre Topuria, immediately after the heartbreaking defeat. Aleksandre helped carry his younger brother out of the Octagon as Ilia covered his head with a hood, before quickly removing it during their walk backstage.

Ilia Topuria with brother Aleksandre Topuria after UFC Freedom 250
Ilia Topuria with brother Aleksandre Topuria after UFC Freedom 250 (via The Independent)

Aleksandre Topuria played a major role throughout Ilia’s training camp, helping develop strategies to counter Gaethje’s style. He also remained a constant presence in the former champion’s corner, regularly offering advice and adjustments between rounds as the fight unfolded.

On the opposite side, Trevor Wittman led Justin Gaethje’s corner as the newly crowned champion’s head coach throughout UFC Freedom 250. However, Wittman recently praised Aleksandre for the way he handled and supported his younger brother following the emotional defeat.

Seeing the concern in his brother’s eyes, and the way he pulled the hood off Ilia’s head like, ‘Bro, don’t be embarrassed.’ That was special.

Trevor Wittman via ONX Sports

The elder Topuria brother is also a UFC bantamweight contender and has already fought twice in the promotion. He earned the biggest win of his UFC career by defeating Bekzat Almakhan in November 2025. His support for Ilia Topuria after UFC Freedom 250 has also drawn widespread recognition.

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