Trevor Wittman Backs Aleksandre Topuria's Corner Stoppage at UFC 250

Trevor Wittman says Aleksandre Topuria did the right thing when he stopped his brother's lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje last month.

Gaethje battered Ilia Topuria through the third and fourth rounds at UFC Freedom 250, leaving the champion barely able to see by the end of the fourth. Aleksandre waved off the bout before the fifth round could begin, overruling his brother's apparent willingness to continue. A ringside doctor had come close to stopping the contest a round earlier.

Wittman Says Fighter Safety Came First

Speaking on the ONX Sport podcast, Wittman clarified what happened in the Topuria corner between rounds. Initial reports suggested Aleksandre told the referee they would finish the fight, but the veteran coach said that moment has been misunderstood. "Ilia's brother did the right thing to stop the fight," Wittman said, per Sherdog. "I didn't hear what he said until I understood that language, where he was like, 'We're gonna finish the fight.' He was talking to the ref, he wasn't talking to Ilia. So I took it as, Ilia was like, 'Dude I can't go on.' And when you hear that from your athlete, you have to make the right choice."

Wittman trains Gaethje, who improved to 29-5 with the stoppage win. Ilia Topuria dropped to 17-1 in his first loss as an undisputed champion. Aleksandre's decision drew mixed reactions from fans, but Wittman believes a cornerman's primary responsibility is protecting the fighter, not chasing glory.

Gaethje has not announced his next opponent. Ilia Topuria is expected to activate his rematch clause, though no date has been confirmed.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Justin Gaethje’s coach Trevor Wittman defends Aleksandre Topuria’s stoppage of Ilia Topuria