“I Know It Hurt” – Ilia Topuria Pens Emotional Letter to His Son in First Major Move Since Losing to Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria promises his son that he will come back stronger than before after an emotional first career loss at the White House.

“I Know It Hurt” – Ilia Topuria Pens Emotional Letter to His Son in First Major Move Since Losing to Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria with his son (Image via Bleacher Report/Instagram)

Ilia Topuria remained extremely confident in his ability to defeat Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. However, ‘The Highlight’ survived the onslaughts and made Topuria’s corner stop the fight after the fourth round. It was a very shocking moment for the MMA community.

Since then, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has not made any public appearances. He was spotted by fans in various places, but he never made any official statements. That all changed after Topuria posted a video on social media account detailing how he will move forward after the first loss of his career.

The former champion’s son, Hugo Topuria, is widely featured in the video. Hugo is very passionate about MMA and is seen training to become a fighter like his father. ‘El Matador’ is shown writing a letter about what his son must have felt when he lost to Gaethje at the White House.

Hugo, I’ve been thinking about you these past few days. About what you felt when you saw me go down. I know it hurt you. As your dad, I would have done anything to spare you from that moment. But I’m also glad we went through it together. Because that day made both of us stronger.

Ilia Topuria said in his social media post

At the White House, rest of the Topuria family members were not shown during the broadcast. Only his elder brother and cornerman, Aleksandre Topuria, was present.

From the social media post, it is evident that Topuria family was heartbroken from the loss that ‘El Matador’ suffered. Nevertheless, Topuria intends to come back stronger than ever.

Topuria may not get an immediate rematch at the moment. After all, Gaethje is adamant about not having a rematch next. For now, he will have to face someone like Paddy Pimblett or Arman Tsarukyan. Both Pimblett and Tsarukyan has history with Topuria.

At the moment, Tsarukyan is booked to fight on UFC 331 against Mauricio Ruffy. Hence, Topuria coming back against Pimblett is more likely after the British star quickly won his last fight against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 328.

Some believe that Topuria may no longer be the fighter that he once was following the devastating defeat at UFC Freedom 250. Others have backed him to return stronger than ever before after learning from the loss. It appears that Topuria has come to terms with the loss at the White House.

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Ilia Topuria has come to terms with his loss to Justin Gaethje

There are many instances of a fighter losing for the first time and their careers going downhill. Only time will tell if Topuria can avoid such fate moving forward.

Ilia Topuria facing off against Justin Gaethje
Ilia Topuria facing off against Justin Gaethje (Image via MMA Fighting)

For now, he has taken the loss well, considering how he goes overboard with his predictions and celebrations before the fight. Topuria reflected on the loss in his recently released social media post.

I think God wanted me to go through that moment… to teach me something no victory ever could. Character doesn’t show up when everything’s going your way. It shows up when life throws its hardest day at you. And you know what I found? After going through that hell, I’m stronger than I was before. A champion isn’t someone who never falls. It’s someone who always finds a reason to get back up.

Ilia Topuria said in his social media post

Before fighting Gaethje, Topuria took a leave of absence to figure out his divorce proceedings with Giorgina Uzcategui. Personal life problems may have also taken a toll on the former champion.

Nevertheless, Topuria is committed to coming back stronger than ever and reclaiming his position at the top of the lightweight division.

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