UFC Legend Thinks Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Changed ‘El Matador’ Forever

UFC veteran reveals the factors that may have influenced Ilia Topuria's brutal loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

UFC Legend Thinks Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Changed ‘El Matador’ Forever

Ilia Topuria damaged after Justin Gaethje fight (via The Independent, MMA Mania)

Ilia Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 with little room for error. The Spanish star was a heavy favorite against Justin Gaethje, who was nearly eight years younger than the American. However, Gaethje dominated the fight and earned a corner stoppage victory, handing Topuria his first professional loss. UFC legend Michael Bisping recently suggested the beating could have lasting effects on Topuria’s future.

The full extent of Topuria’s injuries emerged after UFC Freedom 250, with reports confirming fractures in both orbital bones, significant facial swelling, and multiple cuts from the four-round contest. He was later released from the hospital without needing surgery. Topuria has since received an 180-day medical suspension and must be cleared by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon before competing again.

The outcome marked a stark contrast from Topuria’s previous appearances. He entered UFC Freedom 250 riding a three-fight knockout streak, including victories over Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira that cemented his status among the sport’s elite. However, Topuria looked badly battered by the end of the Gaethje fight, and the damage he absorbed later became a key part of Bisping’s analysis of his future.

He might never be the same fighter. He was undefeated. He got beaten badly. I’m a fan of Ilia Topuria – not only the way he fights, the way that he carries himself. He’s a really cool guy. He’s a gentleman. There’s no controversy. He’s a cool guy. I think Josh Hokit rattled him a bit at the press conference. He was a little bit off all week because of the stuff from Hokit, and he pushed Justin Gaethje (at the weigh-ins).

Michael Bisping via JAXXON podcast

Bisping suggested fight-week events may have affected Topuria’s mindset. He pointed to personal remarks from Josh Hokit and believed they may have played mind games with the Spaniard. The former champion also argued those emotions contributed to Topuria shoving Gaethje during the ceremonial weigh-ins, with ‘El Matador’ potentially allowing his emotions to get the better of him before the fight.

I think he lets his emotions get in the way a little bit. However, when you lose a fight like that, you’ve been beaten. Like ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed: He was destroying everyone, then he lost one fight, and he was never the same again. Now you know you can be beaten. There’s that doubt in there. Who knows? Maybe he comes back, and he’s a better version of himself, but we don’t know until that happens.

Michael Bisping via JAXXON podcast

Another point that stood out in Bisping’s analysis was his assessment of Topuria’s confidence and self-belief. The former champion noted that the Spaniard’s unwavering mindset has been one of his greatest strengths throughout his rise to the top of the sport. Despite the brutal setback at UFC Freedom 250, Topuria has already addressed the defeat publicly and made it clear that he wants a rematch with Gaethje.

Michael Bisping’s perspective carries added weight because he faced a similar crossroads after suffering a serious eye injury in his loss to Vitor Belfort. Despite the setback, ‘The Count’ fought for four more years, won the UFC middleweight title, and remained competitive before retiring in 2017. Ilia Topuria now faces a similar test and will look to prove that one devastating defeat does not define his career.

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Justin Gaethje’s coach takes a sneaky quip towards Ilia Topuria’s performance at UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria’s knockout power is undoubtedly no joke, with stoppage victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. That run is often regarded as one of the greatest three-fight win streaks in UFC history. However, UFC Freedom 250 told a different story, as Topuria failed to produce the same impact despite landing 126 significant strikes across four rounds against Justin Gaethje.

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

Ahead of UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje trained with an elite team at ONX Sports under head coach Trevor Wittman. His preparation also included striking specialist Luke Caudillo, with a focus on sharpening durability and counter-striking. Following the fight, Wittman later joked that Gaethje’s sparring partner Archie Colgan had actually done more damage than Topuria did during the contest.

The contrast in the aftermath made Wittman’s comments even more striking, given how different the two fighters looked after four rounds. ‘The Highlight’ appeared largely unfazed despite the grueling battle, while Ilia Topuria was left visibly battered and nearly unrecognizable. Gaethje later credited his durability to genetics, saying it helped him absorb punishment and outlast ‘El Matador’ across the fight.

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