Makhachev Mocks Topuria After Gaethje Takes Lightweight Belt at UFC Freedom 250

Q: What caused the shocking collapse of undefeated double-champion Ilia Topuria in the biggest fight of his career?

Ilia Topuria’s collapse was caused mainly by Justin Gaethje’s sustained damage, which left the previously unbeaten champion badly injured and unable to see clearly enough to continue. The fight turned on Gaethje’s pressure and durability. Although Topuria had a strong second round and reportedly hurt Gaethje badly with body shots, Gaethje survived, recovered, and began to take over. From the third round on, he repeatedly landed heavy punches, including right hands and uppercuts, and steadily broke Topuria down. The physical damage was severe. By the later rounds, Topuria was heavily swollen and bloodied, and a cageside doctor checked him before the fourth. Post-fight reports said he suffered non-displaced fractures to both orbital bones, with the right side worse. Topuria later said he lost vision in his right eye in the first round and in his left by the end of the second, making it increasingly difficult to defend himself or mount offense. A key tactical moment also hurt him. After nearly finishing Gaethje with body work, Topuria reportedly chased a submission instead of forcing Gaethje to remain in a striking exchange while hurt. That gave Gaethje the chance to recover and reset. The bout ended when Topuria’s corner stopped it after Round 4, giving Gaethje a TKO victory. Islam Makhachev focused on Topuria’s pre-fight bravado afterward, but the decisive cause inside the cage was Gaethje’s relentless punishment, compounded by Topuria’s eye injuries and impaired vision.

3 articles · Updated · Sherdog.com · Jun 15

Islam Makhachev publicly taunted Ilia Topuria after Justin Gaethje beat the 17-1 champion in the UFC Freedom 250 main event at the White House.
Makhachev congratulated Gaethje on winning the belt and said Topuria had been taught humility after repeatedly predicting a first-round knockout before the fight.
He sharpened the criticism by mocking Topuria for quitting on the stool in what he called the biggest fight of Topuria’s career.
That loss likely kills Topuria’s hoped-for future showdown with Makhachev, which Topuria had been discussing alongside a possible move up to welterweight.