(Video) UFC Releases Clip of Big Brother Stopping Ilia Topuria From Fighting Justin Gaethje After Fourth Round

Newly released footage shows how Aleksandre Topuria's decision to end the fight in the fourth round marked Ilia Topuria's first loss.

(Video) UFC Releases Clip of Big Brother Stopping Ilia Topuria From Fighting Justin Gaethje After Fourth Round

Ilia Topuria being protected by Aleksandre Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 (via The Independent)

Ilia Topuria enjoyed one of the fastest rises to two-division championship status after joining the UFC in 2020. The Spaniard became a knockout artist with victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. However, that aura took a major hit after his loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. Newly released footage reveals Aleksandre Topuria played the key role behind the corner stoppage.

Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 as the lightweight champion, preparing for his first title defense against Gaethje. However, Gaethje left the Georgian-Spanish star badly battered throughout the contest with relentless offense. It was later confirmed Topuria suffered non displaced fractures to both orbital bones and a broken nose. Those injuries resulted in a 180-day medical suspension following the event.

Throughout the fight, Aleksandre Topuria remained a constant presence in his younger brother’s corner, offering advice between every round. He later carried Ilia backstage and stayed beside the former lightweight champion as cameras surrounded him after the defeat. Newly released UFC footage now shows the older Topuria ultimately made the decision for the fight to be stopped.

Tell the doctor, he can’t see… Ilia, no more fighting. It’s over. We’re stopping the match.

Aleksandre Topuria via Newly released UFC Freedom 250 footage

Aleksandre played a major role during his younger brother’s camp before UFC Freedom 250. He predicted fighting Gaethje was a double-edged sword before the matchup. Aleksandre believed the the American veteran’s offense created openings, but exploiting them required absorbing heavy damage first.

Ilia previously credited Aleksandre for helping him win his first UFC title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. After the opening round, Aleksandre advised his brother to counter Volkanovski’s jab. Ilia made the adjustment next round, delivering the Australian star his first featherweight knockout loss.

While Ilia gained greater recognition due to his championship credentials, Aleksandre has also carved out an impressive UFC career in his own right. He debuted at UFC 312 in February 2025, earning a unanimous decision victory over Colby Thicknesse to secure his first promotional win inside the UFC Octagon.

Aleksandre followed his successful debut by defeating Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Qatar in November 2025, improving to two UFC victories. Since then, ‘El Conquistador’ has remained a crucial figure in Ilia Topuria’s training camp, regularly assisting his younger brother throughout fight preparations.

Aleksandre’s decision continues drawing attention after Ilia Topuria’s defeat at UFC Freedom 250. Gaethje’s coach, Trevor Wittman, also backed the corner stoppage because of El Matador’s condition. The new footage adds further context to one of the defining moments of the former champion’s career.

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English lightweight contender once again takes shots at Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria has faced growing criticism following his UFC Freedom 250 loss to Justin Gaethje. Several UFC fighters have taken aim at the former champion after his first defeat. Among his most vocal critics remains Paddy Pimblett, whose longstanding rivalry with Topuria continues fueling their ongoing tension.

The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria first erupted during a UFC London event in 2022 when the pair became involved in a backstage brawl. Their bad blood has only intensified since then. Tensions escalated again at UFC 317 after Topuria shoved Pimblett during their post-fight faceoff in the Octagon.

Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria releases his first statement since UFC Freedom 250 [via TalkSPORT]

Pimblett has long been one of Topuria’s biggest critics throughout their rivalry. The Liverpool star was viewed as Topuria’s biggest potential matchup because of their bad blood. However, Pimblett lost the interim lightweight title fight to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, hurting his standing.

However, Pimblett has made it clear he wants to face Topuria after his medical suspension ends. The English contender believes Topuria’s first professional defeat could significantly affect his mindset. Pimblett recently renewed his callout, keeping their heated rivalry firmly alive.

Ilia Topuria is a fat featherweight, he’s not a lightweight. If I ever fight him, people will realise he will move back down to 145 pounds because he’ll realise how small he is for the weight division.

Paddy Pimblett via Spinning Backfist

A rematch with Justin Gaethje appears increasingly unlikely after the champion ruled out immediately facing Ilia Topuria again. That could open the door for Topuria’s long-awaited clash with Paddy Pimblett once he returns. If both remain in contention, their heated rivalry may finally be settled in the Octagon.

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