Home » Sports » MMA

Ilia Topuria admits one more round against Justin Gaethje would have ended his UFC career

Ilia Topuria thinks he was heading toward an early retirement before the UFC White House stoppage. The former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion endured a…

Bloodyelbow

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 8:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Ilia Topuria stated that another round against Justin Gaethje likely would have ended his fighting career.
Topuria's brother, Aleksandre Topuria, called off the bout from the corner after four brutal rounds.
Topuria sustained significant facial damage after absorbing 119 strikes during the championship fight.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ilia Topuria admitted that continuing his fight against Justin Gaethje would likely have ended his professional fighting career. The former two-division champion suffered a stoppage loss to Gaethje after four rounds in Washington, DC, when his brother Aleksandre Topuria intervened from the corner to wave off the bout with referee Marc Goddard.

Topuria absorbed 119 strikes during the lightweight title contest and sustained severe facial injuries. Expressing gratitude for his brother's decision, Topuria stated that he plans to return to the Octagon in April 2027, considering matchups against Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett.

Read the full article on Bloodyelbow

Ilia Topuria admits one more round against Justin Gaethje would have ended his UFC career

More MMA News

Never Miss a Sports Update