Veteran warns that the UFC is about to 'ruin the life' of Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria was defeated by Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC Casa Branca . Photo: UFC Europe / X

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Ilia Topuria is in negotiations for a rematch against Justin Gaethje , but, in Matt Brown's view, a new confrontation between the two could represent a great risk to the Spaniard's career. The former champion faced the American at UFC Casa Branca and, despite entering the fight as a heavy favorite, was forced to give up between the fourth and fifth rounds after suffering a series of facial injuries.

Now, with 'El Matador' close to setting up a rematch with the champion, Brown believes the fight could have serious consequences for the former champion's future.

In a statement to 'MMA Fighting', Matt Brown said he understands the reasons why the UFC is considering a rematch, as the organization would also be interested in promoting the fight again. However, the former fighter highlighted that there is a significant risk for Topuria, assessing that another defeat could have serious consequences and even compromise his career and his life outside the octagon.

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“I understand where the UFC is coming from. I understand why the UFC would want to make this fight. The downside of this fight is that you could ruin Ilia Topuria ’s life ,” said Matt Brown.

Justin Gaethje transformed Ilia Topuria's face at UFC Casa Branca

Topuria was punished by Gaethje in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

After a balanced first round, Ilia Topuria returned for the second determined to justify his five-to-one odds against Justin Gaethje at UFC Casa Branca . Despite landing some good strikes and coming close to finishing the fight, the American held on, and the Spaniard returned for the third round already showing clear signs of fatigue.

With Topuria slowing down, Gaethje began to find his range with precise jabs and even managed to stagger the former champion with a powerful straight punch. Gradually, the Spaniard's face became deformed from the accumulated damage, until, in the break between the fourth and fifth rounds, his team opted to stop the fight.

After the fight, it was confirmed that Topuria suffered fractures to the orbital bones of her face and to her nose.

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