"I’m So Grateful To My Brother": Ilia Topuria Reveals How His Brother Saved Him From Career-Ending Fate

Ilia Topuria credits brother for crucial call.© NDTV Photo Library

Ilia Topuria credits his brother, Aleksandre, with saving his eyesight and MMA career after the fourth-round stoppage against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. The former two-division champion says he would have kept fighting, but his brother made the call that prevented further damage. Topuria, 29, was pulled out on his stool before the fifth round in June. He suffered fractures to both orbital bones, a broken septum, and a broken foot, leaving him unable to see properly. He is now targeting a return to the UFC in early 2027.

Topuria credits his brother

"If he hadn't stopped me from fighting, I probably wouldn't have been able to fight again in my life," Ilia Topuria said. “I'm so grateful to my brother that he decided to stop me because I love what I'm doing,” he added.

Topuria described the defeat as the worst day of his professional career. He said he spent months questioning what went wrong but has now accepted the result and is focused on returning stronger.

The loss ended a 17-fight unbeaten run and cost Topuria the undisputed lightweight title. Gaethje battered him before the stoppage, handing him his first professional defeat.

Topuria said the setback has only strengthened his desire to compete. “The fire is bigger right now,” he said. “Everything that I'm feeling, everything I want to do, it's bigger.”

Topuria targets April return after January training comeback

Ilia Topuria says he will return to full training in January and expects to fight again in April, May, or June. He has been doing technique work and strength and conditioning but has not been cleared for sparring, wrestling, or grappling.

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

Topuria wants a rematch with Justin Gaethje, but Gaethje has shown little interest. Topuria has also named Paddy Pimblett as a possible opponent for April.

Topuria's chilling warning to Pimblett

Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett have a long-running rivalry. Pimblett has claimed Topuria will never be the same after the Gaethje loss, while Topuria has warned the Englishman that he would “eat him like a sausage.”

Pimblett is 23-4 and has won seven of his last eight UFC fights. He rebounded from his loss to Gaethje by submitting Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 in July.

A Topuria-Pimblett fight would be a major draw, but the UFC has not confirmed anything. Topuria's priority is getting fully cleared and returning to full training before deciding his next move.