Justin Gaethje Defends Ilia Topuria, Says He Didn’t Quit at UFC Freedom 250

At UFC Freedom 250, fans witnessed something nobody saw coming. In the main event, Justin Gaethje didn't just beat Ilia Topuria, he did it in brutal fashion. The American ripped the belt away from ‘El Matador’ after Topuria's corner threw in the towel and called a stop to the fight. Since then, the internet hasn't held back, with plenty of fans mocking Topuria online. But Gaethje came to his defense, refusing to buy into the idea that Topuria quit.

Justin Gaethje Rejects Claims That Ilia Topuria Quit at UFC Freedom 250

The champ pushed back on it directly, saying Topuria didn't give up on the stool. Instead, he suggested that the Spaniard's body was simply too banged up to keep going. ‘The Highlight’ pointed out it wasn't even Topuria's call to make; his corner made that decision because that's exactly what coaches are there for, to protect their fighter in moments like that. He added that his own team is in his corner for the same reason.

“He didn’t quit on the stool, his body was too compromised to continue fighting. He didn’t make the call, his coaches made the call because they’re there to protect him. My coaches are in my corner to protect me in those times,” Gaethje said.

Indeed, it was a shocker to see him lose at all, he'd been undefeated up to that point. And it wasn't just the loss itself that stunned people, it was how he lost. Gaethje had spoken about it earlier too, saying Topuria's own mentality played a big part in his downfall.

Justin Gaethje Wants Ilia Topuria to Win Back the UFC Title

Gaethje praised Topuria earlier, saying he wants to see him become champion again. Even after the mistakes that cost him the fight, Gaethje still thinks Topuria is one of the best fighters out there. He pointed to how Topuria bounced back after losing to Max Holloway before, and believes he can do it again. For Gaethje, this loss could turn into Topuria's comeback story.

Gaethje stated, “Outside of that, without those mental mistakes, he is one of the best in the world, there’s no doubt about it. I’m never talking sh-t about him, because he’s so good. I want to see him come back, I want to see him thrive, I want to see him prosper.”

Since the American champion has hinted he's unsure if he'll ever fight again, that opens the door for Topuria to possibly face Arman Tsarukyan next for the title.