Topuria loses unbeaten record as his ex-wife fires a jab

Ilia Topuria: defeat, a jab from his ex and suspicion of an eye poke

What lies behind Giorgina Uzcategui's message to Ilia Topuria after his first defeat? In the early hours of Monday, the Spanish-Georgian fighter fell to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House for Donald Trump's 80th birthday. He lost his unbeaten run of 17 wins and his lightweight title.

A defeat that ends the unbeaten run

Topuria, 27, arrived unbeaten after 17 professional fights. Gaethje, 37, inflicted the first defeat in an event that mixed politics and sport. The bout took place at the White House, an unusual setting that added extra intrigue to the night. Some fans point to a possible foul: an eye poke on the first strike, though there is no official confirmation.

The mysterious message from his ex-vvife

Hours later, Giorgina Uzcategui, mother of Topuria's daughter — almost two years old — posted a message on Instagram that many interpreted as a jab at the fighter. Its exact content never emerged, but it was enough to fuel speculation about the relationship. The former couple had already been behind tense episodes on social media.

The debate over injuries and the future

Meanwhile, the controversy over the cause of the defeat remains open. Whether or not there was foul play, the fact is Topuria will have to regroup. Comparisons with boxer Poli Díaz — who ended up with health and drug problems — were quick to appear, though the fighter has room to come back. The octagon left a new champion, and social media a soap opera promising more episodes to come.