Topuria Credits Brother For Stopping Gaethje Loss

Ilia Topuria believes his brother's call to stop his UFC Freedom 250 bout against Justin Gaethje saved his fighting career.

Aleksandre Topuria waved off the White House main event after his brother sustained severe facial damage, including fractures to both orbital bones plus a broken foot. The former lightweight champion told MMA Fighting and BJ Penn that continuing the fight could have left him unable to compete again.

Brother's Decision Prevented Career-Ending Damage

Vision problems plagued Topuria throughout the contest. A doctor checked on him between rounds, asking whether he could see. Blood and sweat filled his eye, creating what he described as a sensation of thousands of crystals. The injuries left him unable to open his eyes properly while facing an opponent intent on finishing him.

Topuria acknowledged he would not have quit on his own. "In myself, me personally, I wouldn't say, 'Stop it,'" he said, per MMA Fighting. But he backs the choice his brother made in that moment and said he would have done the same thing.

The extent of the damage was unusual even by fight standards. Topuria noted he had never seen someone compete with simultaneous fractures to both orbital bones and a foot during years of training and competition. Looking back, he views the stoppage as essential to preserving his future in the sport.

The featherweight is reportedly recovered and considering his next move inside the octagon.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Ilia Topuria is grateful to his brother for stopping UFC Freedom 250 fight against Justin Gaethje