An old interview where Ilia Topuria is asked if he thinks a loss would hurt his career:
"I mean, I'm going to beat everyone, and if I have to learn then I have to learn and that's it.
A person can fall. But you decide whether you fall into a rough patch or into a grave. I don't plan on falling into a grave, you know? I'll get back on my feet with my head held high. Because I know all the work I put in.
It would be different if I stopped taking things seriously and then lost on top of that. I wouldn't feel good about myself.
The fight is with myself... I'm not fighting with anyone, I'm not doing this to prove anything to anyone but myself."
(via @IbaiLlanos)
Yes but first things first, @Justin_Gaethje you are a savage!!! Congratulations on everything. it was inspiring to be there in person and watch you put on a masterful performance and turn your dream into reality, Undisputed!! Nothing but respect for you🫡
@StrawhatZack_@ThisIsNotDSP Obviously dedicated mma fans will continue watching, but if there’s no star power, then “casuals” wont, which is what they need to be a BIG business.
This is up there with the "real" interim belts, alongside people like Poirier, Aspinall, and Barao imo. The champ is genuinely unable to fight and he beat a very legit guy to get it
Ok so this one’s a bit special! It’s still kind of all a little surreal and will remain so for quite a while I’m sure, I’m trying to wrap my head around it. I have stood inside some of the most iconic arenas the world over with some amazing settings, crowds and some of the most unforgettable moment’s in UFC history.
If you would have told me 25 years ago that I’d be stood in the Octagon on the White House lawn refereeing a UFC World title I’d have laughed you out of the way, but here we are.
This crazy sport, this journey that has changed my life and gifted me so much still amazes me and it always will, but today tops the lot. The physical set up, logistics & magnitude of the event itself and “The Claw” was magical. The whole thing, start to finish, the set up, the location - it was incredible, truly incredible.
I feel that I could go down a rabbit hole and try to put into words just how amazing it was, how it felt and how to put these things into perspective but that seems so insurmountable and I can’t, so I won’t.
I’m just gonna have to leave it as my overwhelming thanks & gratitude to be here, with the honour, privilege and a huge sense of pride to witness a true once in a lifetime event. Wow.
#UFC #UFCFreedom250 #UFCWhitehouse #MMA #Fortune