Topuria was punished by Gaethje in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
the defeat of Ilia Topuria all with Justin gaethje in the main fight of UFC White House The news continues to reverberate among the biggest names in MMA. One of those most shaken by the result was... Merab DvalishviliThe Georgian, a former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), is a close friend of the two-time champion and revealed that he felt the setback deeply, in addition to admitting that he is still facing difficulties dealing with the repercussions on social media.
In an interview with the American website MMA Fighting, Dvalishvili stated that he was emotionally affected after watching the end of Topuria's reign. According to the former champion, the defeat generated a wave of comments in his country, increasing the pressure in the days following the event.
See too
“It was truly heartbreaking. Since then, I’ve been very stressed. I’ve been spending all day checking online comments, and they haven’t stopped, especially in my country,” declared the former champion.
Dvalishvili went further. He explained that the relationship between the two goes far beyond the octagon. Training partners and longtime friends, they closely followed each other's growth in MMA. Therefore, seeing the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) defeated by Justin gaethje It had a special significance. The Georgian also highlighted that the frustration was shared by fans from his country, who believed in maintaining their friend's dominance among the organization's top figures.
Despite the delicate situation, Merab expressed confidence in Topuria's recovery. For the Georgian, a setback doesn't erase the trajectory built by the former UFC champion and doesn't diminish his recent legacy.
In his assessment, 'El Matador' remains one of the most talented athletes in the organization and is fully capable of quickly returning to title contention. The former champion went further, stating that the result does not change his opinion about his partner's superiority over Gaethje.
"I believe that if they fight again, Ilia will win most of the time. But that was the night of..." Justin gaethje"It was his moment," the wrestler concluded.
Topuria's defeat in the White House
the reign of Ilia Topuria it came to an end in UFC White HouseThe Georgian was knocked out by Justin gaethje In the main event held in Washington (USA), he lost the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). The American improved in the second half of the fight and finished the fight with a dominant performance between the third and fourth rounds.
The result ended Topuria's undefeated streak in the UFC and interrupted the trajectory of the double champion, who had been racking up impressive victories over some of the organization's biggest names. On the other hand, Gaethje returned to the top of the division by winning the undisputed title and reinforcing his status among the leading lightweights today.
What's the next step for the new champion?
Gaethje celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
With the lightweight belt in hand, Justin gaethje He assumes the position of man to beat in one of the most competitive categories in the UFC. The Brazilian Charles of the Bronx, Arman Tsarukyan and even Ilia Topuria They emerge as natural contenders for the next title race.
Read More about: martial arts, Charles of the Bronx, Ilia Topuria, Merab, Merab Dvalishivili, MMA, UFC, UFC White House
Comments