In his first English-language interview since his June defeat to Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria told Adam Catterall of Fight Disciples that he feared he might lose his eyesight following the fight.
During the conversation, Topuria expresses his gratitude to his brother and fellow fighter, Aleksandre Topuria, for refusing to let him return for the fifth round. Asked whether his brother’s decision potentially saved his vision, Topuria gives a frightening response.
“Oh 100%, if he didn’t stop me in the fight, probably I wouldn’t be able to fight again in my life,” he says. “I’m actually so grateful for my brother, that he decided to stop me, because I love what I’m doing. I had a bad experience, but I still have a lot of things ahead of me. “It would be very sad for me if I were to hear from a doctor or anyone that I wouldn’t be able to fight anymore.”
The admission offers a clearer picture of the damage Topuria sustains in his UFC Freedom 250 main event against Gaethje on June 14 in Washington, D.C. The fight marks the first defeat of Topuria’s professional career, with Gaethje taking control of the contest after a difficult opening stretch for the American. Topuria’s corner eventually stops the fight after the fourth round, preventing him from taking further punishment.
Following the bout, Topuria is taken to hospital. Reports later revealed that he suffers non-displaced fractures to both orbital bones, alongside other injuries. The decision to stop the fight attracts criticism from some fans, with rival Paddy Pimblett among those questioning Topuria’s willingness to continue. However, his latest comments make clear how much he values his brother’s intervention.
Despite the severity of the injuries, Topuria is already looking towards his return to the Octagon.
In a separate preview of an interview with ABC Diario, the former two-division champion identifies April 2027 as the period he is considering for his comeback. He also makes it clear that Pimblett is the opponent he wants. “Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. I’ll eat him like a sausage, which he is,” Topuria says.
The Spaniard also hints that retirement could become a consideration after his next fight, suggesting he has already achieved much of what he set out to accomplish in the sport. For now, however, his attention remains on returning to competition. UFC CEO Dana White has also indicated that the promotion expects Topuria to fight again in 2027.
After suffering the first loss of his career and dealing with injuries that he now believes could have ended his time in the sport, Topuria’s comeback carries a different significance. His immediate priority is to return healthy, but he has already made his preferred opponent clear.
