Islam Makhachev refuses to kick Ilia Topuria whereas he’s down.
Topuria was using a wave of momentum and had seemingly been on the quick monitor to legendary standing earlier than Justin Gaethje supplied a actuality examine. “El Matador” grew to become a two-division champion somewhat shortly, and he was positive that his first light-weight title protection can be a profitable one at UFC Freedom 250 again in June. Regardless of having some success and even dropping Gaethje with a physique shot, it was clear that “The Spotlight” was doing vital injury together with his boxing.
Topuria stored transferring ahead, which finally was his downfall. He reportedly suffered a damaged orbital earlier than failing to get off his stool for the ultimate spherical. Gaethje handed Topuria the primary lack of his professional MMA profession through fourth-round nook stoppage.
Whereas one would possibly’ve anticipated Makhachev to pour salt within the wound given Topuria’s need to combat him, that’s not the case. Chatting with UFC Corridor of Famer Demetrious Johnson, Makhachev mentioned he hopes to see “El Matador” make a powerful comeback.
“He’s nonetheless younger bro, he has time. I hope he’ll come again,” Makhachev mentioned. “Ilia’s an excellent fighter bro. He has good punches, good wrestling. If he focuses, possibly he’ll be champion once more. However this combat modified his life. However we don’t know which method.”
Topuria has been seen in public with out his sun shades, and it seems his face has been therapeutic shortly. Some are nonetheless questioning if the beating Topuria suffered towards Gaethje will result in him being extra hesitant when placing. Topuria’s boxing had been his bread and butter, and it earned him big knockouts over the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
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