Islam Makhachev mocked Ilia Topuria’s corner stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, posting a sharp message on X that drew widespread attention for its tone toward his longtime rival.
Makhachev, who has had a contentious relationship with Topuria, offered no sympathy for the way the fight ended.
He who exalts himself will be humbled! There’s levels to this game! Congratulations, Justin, you deserve this belt more than anyone. To quit in the biggest fight of your career — is something not everyone can do. Real La Layenda.
Topuria’s corner pulled him at the end of round four after he sustained heavy damage throughout the fight, with his eyes swelling and his face taking the brunt of Gaethje’s punishment. The stoppage has prompted accusations of quitting from Tsarukyan, Jake Paul, and now Makhachev.
Conor McGregor also weighed in, acknowledging that Topuria had quit, but took a more sympathetic approach and attempted to defend him against criticism from former boxing champion Terence Crawford.
Makhachev holds the UFC welterweight title and had previously been expected to face Topuria in a two-division superfight. He is now likely to await a different path at lightweight.