In an exclusive One On One MMA interview, Ilia Topuria tells Adam Catterall about the first loss of his career to Justin Gaethje, recovering from four broken bones and his plans to return in 2027.
Episode summary
Ilia Topuria speaks to Adam Catterall for the first time since suffering the first defeat of his professional career, a loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. Back home in Georgia and recovering from two orbital fractures, a broken nose and a broken foot, Topuria opens up about the physical and mental recovery, why his brother Aleksandre was right to stop the fight, and how the loss has changed his mindset. He also wants a rematch with Gaethje, plans to return to full training in January and targets a comeback between April and June 2027.
Topics covered
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Recovering from the Gaethje defeat
8:52 His brother's decision to stop the fight
11:30 How tough was Justin Gaethje?
12:50 Resetting his mindset
17:07 When will Ilia Topuria return?
Introduction (0:00 to 0:37)
The interview opens with a preview of Topuria's sharpest lines, including a warning to the rest of the lightweight division, before Adam Catterall sits down with him in Georgia for his first interview since the loss.
Recovering from the Gaethje defeat (0:37 to 8:52)
Topuria said the last six or seven months have meant recovering physically, mentally and spiritually from the first loss of his career after 17 straight wins as a pro. He said he never asked God why good things were happening after his victories, so he refused to ask why after a defeat.
"Winning reminds you all the time who you want to be. It reminds you your dreams, but defeat reminds you who you are," Topuria said.
He described the morning after the fight, when he didn't want his family to see him, before letting everyone into his room and trying to lighten the mood with jokes. Topuria said he never cried over the loss, even though he fought in front of the president of the United States with both orbital bones broken, a broken nose and a broken foot.
"I was almost blind. I couldn't breathe with a lot of pain," he said, adding that the experience taught him life keeps going no matter how hard it hits you.
Recovery and return | Details |
|---|---|
Injuries from the Gaethje fight | Two broken orbital bones, a broken nose and a broken foot |
Pro record before the loss | 17 wins without a defeat |
Full-contact training | Expected to resume in January |
Target return | April, May or June 2027 |
Preferred next fight | A rematch with Justin Gaethje |
His brother's decision to stop the fight (8:52 to 11:30)
Topuria admitted that on his own, he would have kept fighting. But he said he respects the decision his brother and coach Aleksandre Topuria made, and would have done the same in his position, because he couldn't see out of an eye he described as full of blood and feeling like "thousands of crystals."
Asked whether the stoppage saved his vision, Topuria didn't hesitate.
"Oh, 100%. If he wouldn't stop me to fight, probably I wouldn't be able to fight again in my life," Topuria said. He added that he's grateful to his brother, because hearing he could never fight again would have been far harder than the loss itself.
How tough was Justin Gaethje? (11:30 to 12:50)
Topuria said Justin Gaethje wasn't tougher than he expected, because everyone at this level is tough, and he still believes he's the more skilled fighter. He said that's the beauty of the sport, that a better fighter can still lose on the night.
Catterall asked about the contrast between Topuria congratulating Gaethje right after the fight and later referencing his gloves on social media. Topuria said he doesn't want to take anything away from Gaethje, who "did an amazing job" and was the better man that night.
"Our story is far from over. Like we are going to have more chapters. That's for sure," Topuria said. He also revealed he still hasn't watched the fight back, though he plans to eventually so he can correct his mistakes.
Resetting his mindset (12:50 to 17:07)
Topuria said coming home to Georgia has given him time to stop and reflect for the first time in his career, and that he's realized he has the same thought process whether he's winning or losing.
"I'm a fighter. I'm a man that never gives up. It doesn't matter how hard life can punch me. I always decide to keep going," he said.
Turning 30 next year, Topuria said that after winning and defending a world title and then winning a second one, he wants to stand alongside the sport's legends and inspire people. He agreed with Catterall's comparison to Georges St-Pierre bouncing back from his upset loss to Matt Serra, and admitted he had grown comfortable and even bored while winning. The loss, he said, made the fire bigger.
When will Ilia Topuria return? (17:07 to 20:25)
Topuria wants the rematch with Gaethje and doesn't believe the champion will retire without one more payday, saying their fight was the biggest moment and biggest paycheck of Gaethje's career.
"You put me against Justin and that tells you that I'm the fight right now in the division," Topuria said, adding that a fight with Arman Tsarukyan or Paddy Pimblett would also be the biggest of their careers.
He said he hasn't been cleared for contact like sparring, wrestling or grappling yet, but expects to return to full training in January and to fight again in April, May or June if his body responds. Topuria said he's heard talk of coaching against Pimblett on The Ultimate Fighter, but nothing is official and he hasn't spoken with the UFC about it.
"Put me against anyone right now and I'm going to change their lives financially, and the bad part is that I'm going to change their lives physically also," Topuria said.
Ilia Topuria interview key takeaways
Ilia Topuria suffered two broken orbital bones, a broken nose and a broken foot in his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
Topuria says his brother Aleksandre's decision to stop the fight likely saved his vision and his career.
Topuria wants a rematch with Gaethje and believes he is still the biggest fight in the lightweight division.
He expects to resume full training in January and return to the Octagon between April and June 2027.
Talk of Topuria coaching The Ultimate Fighter opposite Paddy Pimblett is not official.
When will Ilia Topuria fight again?
Ilia Topuria expects to return to full training in January and to fight again in April, May or June 2027, as long as his body responds well.
Does Ilia Topuria want a rematch with Justin Gaethje?
Yes. Topuria told Adam Catterall he wants the rematch and doesn't believe Gaethje will retire without one more big payday against him.
What injuries did Ilia Topuria suffer against Justin Gaethje?
Topuria said he suffered two broken orbital bones, a broken nose and a broken foot, and that his brother's decision to stop the fight likely saved his vision.
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