Merab Dvalishvili says Ilia Topuria was fighting with severely impaired vision for most of his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, claiming an eye injury suffered early in the contest significantly affected the former champion’s performance.
Topuria suffered the first defeat of his professional career after his corner stopped the fight following the fourth round, with visible swelling and cuts to his face. Despite the setback, Topuria said afterwards that he would make no excuses for the loss and vowed to return to reclaim the title.
“My brother Ilia, unfortunately, he lost but he showed a great fight,” said Dvalishvili, according to MMA Fighting. “Fight was really tough. Unfortunately, Ilia was fighting blind since the first round. I think one moment Justin Gaethje threw a punch like this [with his thumb extended], I think he eye poked him. It was even worse and then Ilia [was] blind in both eyes. He [wanted] to keep fighting.”
Dvalishvili added: “If Ilia continued [throwing] hammerfists or throwing punches, he would finish him. But Ilia chased the submission and then Justin Gaethje somehow survived. It was a tough fight but I’m proud of my brother Ilia. He showed a great, great fight.” He later said: “Yes when you got eye poked or you broke this [orbital] bone, you are blind pretty much. That affects the fight. That was the main thing. Ilia was fighting blind. That’s what Ilia said.”
Gaethje has ruled out an immediate rematch with Topuria but has indicated he expects to compete again after briefly considering retirement. Arman Tsarukyan is widely viewed as a leading contender for the next lightweight title opportunity, although Dvalishvili hopes Topuria will eventually receive another chance to face Gaethje. Reflecting on the result, Dvalishvili said: “It was really heartbreaking. Since that, I was very stressed. I’ve been checking online all day [on] comments, it keeps going, especially in my country. It’s been very stressful. After the fight, it’s been very stressful.” He added: “I believe if they fight again, Ilia will win all the times, but it was Justin Gaethje’s moment that day. Hopefully Justin Gaethje is not going to retire. He will give Ilia a rematch and in rematch, I believe Ilia can win. But they are both tough fighters and Justin Gaethje, he can hit really hard. He either knocks people out or gets knocked out. That’s the type of fighter he is. Much respect for him.”
