"I've Experienced The Worst Day Of My Job": Ilia Topuria Reveals The Painful Reality Behind His First Career Defeat

Ilia Topuria reflects on Justin Gaethje nightmare as UFC comeback looms.© NDTV Photo Library

Ilia Topuria has described his loss to Justin Gaethje as the worst day of his professional career but insists it will not define him. The former two-division UFC champion is targeting a return in early 2027 after his first MMA defeat. Topuria lost the lightweight title to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June. His corner stopped the fight after the fourth round, leaving him 17-1 as a professional. Topuria has called for an immediate rematch, but Dana White has not confirmed his next opponent. The UFC is expected to finalise his comeback during the first half of 2027

Ilia Topuria opens up about dealing with the first loss of his career: "I've been in the worst situation a fighter can possibly be in. I've experienced the worst day of my profession. What's worse than that? Dying. But one thing is clear: you either win or you lose. And I lost. I wake up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror, and I'm like: no, no, no, no, this isn't me." (via @abc_es, @KOlmeneroMMA)

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 6, 2026

Topuria opens up about his darkest day

“I've been in the worst situation a fighter can possibly be in. I've experienced the worst day of my profession." Ilia Topuria said in an interview with ABC, “What's worse than that? Dying. But one thing is clear: you either win or you lose. And I lost.”

Topuria said the defeat forced him to look in the mirror and confront a feeling he had never known before. He added that he refuses to accept that the loss represents who he is.

The 29-year-old suffered serious injuries in the fight, including broken orbital bones, a fractured septum, and a broken foot. His corner pulled him out before the fifth round after Gaethje relentlessly pressured him.

Topuria had been unbeaten in 17 professional fights before the loss. He had won UFC gold at featherweight and lightweight, making him one of the sport's biggest stars.

UFC confirms Topuria's much-awaited return

Dana White confirmed that Ilia Topuria will return in early 2027. The UFC has not announced a date or opponent.

Topuria has called for a rematch with Justin Gaethje, but the new lightweight champion has shown little interest. Gaethje's own future is unclear, with retirement talk continuing after he won the undisputed belt.

Topuria has also named Paddy Pimblett as a possible opponent for April. The two have a long-running rivalry, and Pimblett has said he wants to fight for the title rather than settle their personal feud.

Dana White calls lightweight the UFC's most dangerous division

Dana White called lightweight the UFC's most dangerous division. He named Gaethje, Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett and Max Holloway among the leading contenders.

Tsarukyan is 24-3 and has won six straight fights. He has been calling for a title shot and could be an option if Gaethje vacates the belt.

Oliveira will face Diego Lopes for the BMF title at UFC 335 on December 12. A win could put him back in the lightweight title conversation.