UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria credited his older brother Aleksandre for helping salvage his mixed martial arts career during the promotion's historic "UFC Freedom 250" event held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 15, 2026.
Topuria lost his lightweight title challenge against Justin Gaethje in the main event. Photographs from the event show Aleksandre Topuria assisting his younger brother as they left the octagon following the defeat.
The Georgian-born fighter acknowledged his brother's support as a crucial factor in his continued pursuit of championship gold.
