Ilia Topuria makes frightening confession about eye injury in first interview since Justin Gaethje loss
Ilia Topuria has admitted that he was likely moments away from losing his vision during his loss to Justin Gaethje at the White House.
Back in June, UFC legend Gaethje secured arguably the biggest upset of the year as he beat the then-undefeated Topuria to win the lightweight title in a gruelling fight.
The brutal bout came to an end when Topuria's brother, fellow UFC fighter Aleksandre, refused to send the champion out for the fifth and final round, a decision that Topuria has now admitted saved his vision.
Ilia Topuria reveals Justin Gaethje loss nearly led to him losing his vision
Following the loss to Gaethje, it was revealed that Topuria had suffered non-displaced orbital fractures in both eye sockets, among several other injuries.
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As is always the case, his team's decision not to come out for the fifth round led to significant ridicule online, with bitter rival Paddy Pimblett accusing Topuria of 'quitting' on his stool.
But, in his first English interview since the fight, Topuria told Adam Catterall of the Fight Disciples that he was hugely grateful for his brother making the call to pull him out without taking any further damage.
Asked if Aleksandre pulling him out saved his vision, he replied: "Oh 100%, if he didn't stop me in the fight, probably I wouldn't be able to fight again in my life.
"I'm actually so grateful for my brother, that he decided to stop me, because I love what I'm doing. I had a bad experience, but I still have a lot of things ahead of me.
"It would be very sad for me if I were to hear from a doctor or anyone that I wouldn't be able to fight anymore."
Ilia Topuria reveals dream return with potential opponent and date revealed
After suffering the injuries, Topuria has taken some time away from the sport to fully recover ahead of an expected return early next year.
Of course, that raises questions as to when, and against who, the former champion will make his return.
Some have suggested that a rematch with Gaethje could be next on the cards, but with a champion vs champion bout with featherweight GOAT Alexander Volkanovski likely next for the American, it appears Topuria has other plans.
“I’ve achieved everything, and after this fight, what else?” Topuria said told Spanish-Georgian told ABC Diario.
“Maybe I’ll even retire, he teased, before adding he would return “like you have never seen [me] before".
Topuria explained that he is targeting a return in April, and as for his opponent, it looks like there's only one man he has on his mind.
“Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. I’ll eat him like a sausage, which he is.”
Topics: UFC, MMA, Paddy Pimblett
Ben McCrum
