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Former UFC two-division champion Ilia Topuria is back on social media after more than a 12-week hiatus, posting an emotional yet motivational message that Spanish football star Ferran Torres has reacted to.<\/p>\n
Topuria lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. \u201cThe Highlight\u201d bloodied up \u201cEl Matador,\u201d broke his nose and two orbital bones, and left the 29-year-old\u2019s eyes badly swollen. After Round 4, Topuria\u2019s corner decided to stop the bout to save him from further punishment. With that, Gaethje secured a TKO victory and the lightweight strap.<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 JUNE 14: Justin Gaethje strikes Ilia Topuria of Spain in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn at the White House on June 14, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Unger\/Zuffa LLC)<\/p>\n
One day after the title loss and the end of his undefeated record at the White House, Topuria congratulated Gaethje but also told the 37-year-old that they will run it back. \u201cEl Matador\u201d also vowed to \u2018return wiser, stronger, and more dangerous.\u2019<\/p>\n
Over the past few weeks, Topuria has been enjoying his time away from the UFC as he heals and has also been spotted partying with footballer Ferran Torres. But now, it\u2019s time to lock in.<\/p>\n
Earlier today, Ilia Topuria returned to social media with an emotional letter for his son, Hugo. He said:<\/p>\n
\u201cHugo, I\u2019ve been thinking about you these past two days. About what you felt when you saw me go down. I know it hurt you. And as your dad, I would\u2019ve done anything to spare you from that moment. But I\u2019m also glad we went through it together because that day made us both stronger. I want you to always remember one thing: you won\u2019t always win in life, and that\u2019s ok. Because losing isn\u2019t what matters. What matters is how you lose. Who you choose to be when everything goes dark. When you have to choose between staying on the ground and getting back up.<\/p>\n
I think God wanted me to go through that moment to teach me something no victory ever could. Character doesn\u2019t show up when everything\u2019s going your way. It shows up when life throws its hardest day at you, and you know what I found? After going through that hell, I\u2019m stronger than I was before, because a champion isn\u2019t someone who never falls. It\u2019s someone who always finds a reason to get back up.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s all I want for you. Not that you always win. but that you\u2019re never afraid to lose. That no defeat ever gets to tell you who you are. Only you get to decide that, and no matter what happens, always remember this \u2013 Character is the one victory no one can ever take away from you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Check out Ilia Topuria\u2019s comments below:<\/em><\/p>\n Ilia Topuria breaks his silence following his defeat to Justin Gaethje with an emotional message to his son, Hugo:<\/p>\n \u201cA champion isn\u2019t someone who never falls. It\u2019s someone who always finds a reason to get back up. <\/p>\n