Sports · Combat Sports · 51 mins ago
Ilia Topuria says defeat has strengthened his motivation to fight
On June 14, Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria at the White House, taking his UFC lightweight title and ending his unbeaten professional record.
Topuria has now spoken publicly for the first time since the loss, in an interview in Tbilisi, Georgia, his country of birth.
He says he took time away from public attention to recover from injuries, reconnect with family and friends, and reflect on his future.
During that period, he even considered retiring, saying he felt he had already achieved a great deal.
But Topuria says the defeat has not made him give up; he still believes he is the best in the world.
He has kept training and says the loss has made him more motivated to improve.
Topuria says his biggest UFC fight is still ahead, but he has not named a possible opponent.
Ilia Topuria says his defeat by Justin Gaethje has increased his motivation to train and perform better.
Gaethje beat Topuria on June 14 in the main event at the White House, taking his UFC lightweight title and ending his unbeaten record.
Topuria discussed the loss in an interview with ABC in Tbilisi, Georgia, his first interview about the defeat.
He says he considered retirement after feeling he had achieved everything, but now believes he has a major fight ahead.
Topuria says he still feels he is the best in the world and does not plan to give up.
- Who
- Ilia Topuria, a Spanish-Georgian UFC fighter, and Justin Gaethje, who defeated him.
- What
- Topuria says the loss has made him more motivated to train and improve. He also says he considered retirement.
- When
- Gaethje defeated Topuria on June 14. Topuria spoke about the loss in an interview published in November 2026.
- Where
- The fight took place at the White House. Topuria gave the interview in Tbilisi, Georgia.
- Why
- Topuria says the defeat changed how he views the future and increased his desire to do better.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Justin Gaethje defeated Topuria in the main event at the White House, taking his lightweight title and ending his unbeaten record.
Topuria withdrew from the public eye, recovered from injuries and spent time in Georgia with family and friends.
Marca reported on Topuria’s interview with ABC in Tbilisi.
Hola published an account of Topuria’s reflections on the defeat and his renewed motivation.
- Opponent
- Justin Gaethje
- Fight date
- June 14
- Venue
- The White House
- Title lost
- UFC lightweight championship
- Interview location
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Interview outlet
- ABC
3 sources
What people are saying
The biggest fight in the UFC now has my first and last name
I still feel that I am the best in the world
I am a person who will always keep moving forward, a person who will never give up
I had already squeezed everything out of it; I could even think about retiring