Bryce Mitchell reflects on Ilia Topuria's UFC loss

UFC lightweight Bryce Mitchell said he can relate to Ilia Topuria after Topuria’s first professional defeat. Topuria, who entered the bout with a 17‑1 record, was stopped by Justin Gaethje via doctor’s‑stop TKO in the fourth round at UFC Freedom 250.

Mitchell recalled his own first loss, which came against Topuria at UFC 282 when he fought while sick. He told Tim Welch’s podcast, “I had too much pride to back out of the fight…I was undefeated at that point, and so it was that pride thinking, ‘Nah, this dude ain’t going to beat me.’” Mitchell said Topuria’s pride also contributed to his defeat, adding, “His pride made him fall when he thinks Justin Gaethje can’t hurt him.”

Looking ahead, Mitchell suggested Topuria might fare better at a lower weight class, stating, “I think he would do better at 145, to be honest, but he could easily stay at 155.” He praised Topuria’s mentality, noting the fighter “has all the tangibles and he’s not a quitter.”