Topuria congratulates Gaethje, says 'no excuses'

Brett OkamotoJun 15, 2026, 04:02 PM ET

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Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.

WASHINGTON -- Former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria congratulated Justin Gaethje on social media Monday, following Gaethje's victory over him at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday.

"Justin, congratulations," Topuria wrote on Instagram. "You said you'd leave your mark on my face ... and you did. You took the sight from my right in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too. No excuses. I had one of the best camps of my life. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night. That's the nature of this game. Glory and pain walk side by side. I'll heal. I'll rest. And I'll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous.

"And trust me ... this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch."

Topuria (17-1) suffered two badly swollen eyes and was transported to the hospital Sunday, after his corner stopped the 155-pound championship fight between the fourth and fifth rounds. Iñigo Perez of Topuria's team told ESPN that Topuria, of Spain, was discharged from the hospital on Monday.

"He is OK," Perez said. "Only injuries that need recovery time after a tough fight. He is out of the hospital, at home."

Gaethje (28-5) was a significant betting underdog to Topuria leading up to the bout. The two shared some animosity in the buildup, with Gaethje promising to "bring him down and remind him he's human." The two were courteous to one another following Gaethje's victory, however.

Gaethje, 37, has not revealed whether he will continue his career or retire on the high note. He revealed Sunday that he'd promised his mother he wouldn't make a decision right away.