It has been nearly four months since Ilia Topuria’s undefeated run came crashing down against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. The Spaniard took so much damage that his corner had to stop the fight on the stool after the fourth round.
The former two-division champion suffered two broken orbital bones, a cracked septum, and a shattered foot. While his corner ultimately threw in the towel, many fans believe Topuria would have continued fighting until the very end on June 14.
But what really happened inside the Octagon during those final moments? The televised broadcast gave fans a glimpse of how Aleksandre Topuria informed referee Marc Goddard that his brother could not continue. Now, the UFC has released a version of the fight without commentary, allowing fans to hear and see everything that unfolded.
UFC Releases Commentary-Free Version of Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje Fight Featuring Major Moments
The UFC uploaded the entire Gaethje vs. Topuria bout to YouTube without commentary from Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, or Jon Anik. The result is a raw look at the brutal fight, with every exchange, corner conversation, and impact coming through without the usual broadcast commentary.
The video also features several additional camera angles, including close-up shots of both corners. Fans can see Gaethje’s coach, Trevor Wittman, and Topuria’s brother, Alexandre, reacting to the fight’s biggest moments.
One of the most intense moments came in the second round, when Topuria nearly finished Gaethje with vicious liver shots. While Gaethje’s corner appeared to be in panic mode, Wittman remained remarkably composed as he watched his fighter weather the storm.
Behind the body shot that dropped Justin Gaethje 😳
Watch Topuria vs Gaethje | No Commentary on our YouTube channel 📺: https://t.co/MIFcNyBqc8 https://t.co/AJuv7miKvS
— UFC (@ufc) October 9, 2026
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Things took an even more concerning turn at the end of the third round. Many viewers believed the fight should have been stopped after Topuria told his corner, including Alexandre, that he could “barely see anything.” The doctor stepped in to assess the former two-division champion and appeared ready to stop the contest, but Goddard gave him another chance to continue.
After taking another look at the situation, Goddard decided to let the fight continue. He told Topuria and the doctor, “I’m happy to let this go. I want to let it go. Ilia, put yourself back into the fight, ok?”
New footage shows Aleksandre Topuria calling for the doctor after the third round when Ilia told him he can “barely see anything”
🗣️ Marc Goddard: “I’m happy to let this go. Ilia, put yourself back in the fight, okay?”
(via @ufc) https://t.co/9lbZxyEE24
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 9, 2026
However, the emotional moment came after the fight was finally stopped. As Topuria sat battered on his stool, Alexandre stepped in as a big brother and comforted him following the first loss of his professional career.
“You’re the best, you’re the best. This is a sport. You’re a man, and that’s what matters the most,” Alexandre told his younger brother.
Aleksandre Topuria consoling Ilia Topuria after his loss to Justin Gaethje ❤️
“You’re the best. This is a sport. You’re a man and that’s what matters most.”
(via @ufc) https://t.co/Sq2DK2NCnO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 9, 2026
Although the fight is now in the rearview mirror, fans are eager to see Topuria return to the Octagon. The Spaniard is already back in training and reportedly wants an immediate rematch with Gaethje.
Gaethje, meanwhile, has yet to decide whether he wants to return for another title defense or walk away from the sport. If he chooses to continue fighting, a lightweight title defense against No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan could be next, setting up a massive championship showdown
Kshitiz Kumar Singh is a UFC Writer at NY Fights with over three years of experience in sports journalism and content creation. Known for his sharp storytelling and passion for combat sports, he has written in-depth features on stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture, and Ilia Topuria. Before joining NY Fights, Kshitiz worked as a UFC Editor at EssentiallySports while currently serving as a WWE Editor at FirstSportz. His admiration for legends like Georges St-Pierre continues to inspire his detailed and engaging MMA coverage. Whether he’s covering the Octagon or the squared circle, Kshitiz is committed to delivering accurate, high-quality content. Outside the world of sports, he’s a dedicated cinephile, often found practicing monologues from his favorite Al Pacino films, combining his love for cinema with storytelling.
