Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Topuria told corner he 'can barely see anything' during Gaethje upset

Justin Gaethje’s stunning lightweight title victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House has taken on new dimensions after the UFC released a behind-the-scenes cut of the fight, including corner-cam footage that reveals just how close the bout came to being stopped.

The alternate version of the June fight — held on the South Lawn of the White House — strips away broadcast commentary and adds unfiltered corner footage between rounds. The most striking moment comes after the third round, when a visibly damaged Topuria tells his corner, including his brother Alexandre, that he could “barely see anything.” The ringside doctor was called in and appeared ready to wave off the contest, only for referee Mark Goddard to intervene.

“I’m happy to let this go,” Goddard told Topuria and the doctor. “I want to let it go. Ilia, put yourself back into the fight, OK?”

Topuria was allowed to continue, but Gaethje’s dominance over the final two rounds was unrelenting. The former two-division champion absorbed a face-altering beating before the fight was ultimately decided, with “The Highlight” completing what many in the sport had considered an improbable career arc by capturing the undisputed 155-pound title.

Gaethje had survived his own scare in the second round before turning the tide decisively, and the new footage underscores just how brutal the championship rounds were for the Georgian-Spanish star.

Since the victory, Gaethje has yet to commit to a title defence, leaving open the possibility that he could retire on the highest note of his career. Should he choose to return, the leading contender for a title shot is No. 1-ranked Arman Tsarukyan.

Topuria, meanwhile, has only recently returned to training following the defeat and is not expected to compete again until 2027.