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Ilia Topuria Said Just 9 Words to His Agent After Justin Gaethje Defeat

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Ilia Topuria’s agent has revealed exactly what ‘El Matador’ told him in the immediate aftermath of his brutal defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Topuria entered his undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship clash with Gaethje at the White House as a heavy favourite. The 29-year-old, who has held UFC gold in two divisions, was undefeated in all 17 of his previous MMA outings.

However, the adopted Spaniard was battered by Gaethje in the main event of the card at the White House, as ‘The Highlight’ entered a career-best performance to win a full UFC title for the first time in his career.

Ilia Topuria’s Loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Amber Searls via Imagn Images

The American enjoyed significant success early in the fight as he bloodied Topuria during the opening round. Ilia would later admit that he had lost all vision in his right eye by the end of the first session.

Despite enduring a nightmare beginning to the contest, Topuria battled back well in the second. He even looked to be on the verge of winning the fight when he dropped Gaethje with a perfectly-timed shot to the liver.

As Gaethje fell, Topuria followed his opponent to the ground, something he would later be told was a “big mistake” by Justin’s coach, Trevor Wittman.


Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje


Justin Gaethje’s Coach Reveals ‘Big Mistake’ Ilia Topuria Made in UFC Freedom 250 Fight

The fight could have ended VERY differently…

Gaethje managed to avoid various submission attempts from Topuria and survive until the end of the round. Having made it to the third round, Justin began to turn the screw on a struggling Ilia.

The 37-year-old underdog sent Topuria sprawling to the canvas with a vicious knee to the midsection. It was a blow from which Ilia never truly recovered. With his opponent in a compromised state, Gaethje was able to hand a variety of hard strikes to Topuria’s face.

These led to his eyes swelling up considerably, with the ringside doctor advising the referee that the fight should have been called off at the end of the third. Wanting to give Topuria every chance to succeed, official Marc Goddard allowed the previously undefeated competitor to go out for the fourth round.

As hard as he tried, Topuria wasn’t able to turn the tide and returned to his corner at the end of the round as a beaten man. Unable to see out of either eye, Ilia told his corner to end the contest as he uttered two words while sitting slumped on his stool telling his team to end the fight.

What Ilia Topuria Said to His Agent After Devastating UFC White House Setback

Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Amber Searls via Imagn Images

In the aftermath of his defeat, there has been much speculation about Topuria’s future, especially in view of the damage he took during the fight.

Among those to have their say was Ilia’s agent, Jose Maria Diaz, who released a statement following the bout in which he admitted he was “heartbroken”:

“I’ve been processing everything that happened and I really still don’t understand. I’m not going to lie, I am heartbroken.”

Diaz went on to reveal exactly what Topuria said to him straight after the fight. While most beaten fighters would have been complaining about bad luck during the bout or demanding a rematch, Ilia had a different concern as he shared just nine words with his representative, asking:

“Did the fans enjoy the fight? Great fight, right?”

The dramatic scrap received glowing reviews from all who watched it. UFC CEO Dana White was also hugely impressed, awarding Topuria $425,000 for his part in the Fight of the Night, in addition to his contractual pay.

Ilia will need time to heal from his injuries before deciding on his next move, although Gaethje has already seemingly ruled out a rematch between the pair.

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Tottenham Set to Make Offer to Sign Koln Star Said El Mala

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Tottenham are set to make a concrete offer to sign a new forward in the summer transfer window, according to reports from Germany.

In the opening weeks of the summer, Tottenham heavily focused on strengthening their defence after a disappointing few years.

Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson both arrived at the club on free transfers, adding experience and defensive solidity to Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Attention has quickly turned to strengthening their midfield and attack, with Spurs looking to bring in reinforcements in multiple positions this summer.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League two seasons on the bounce, new additions are needed, especially if they want to help De Zerbi fully implement his style of play.

Tottenham Set to Make Offer for New Forward

Roberto De Zerbi clapping the Tottenham fans

According to a report from Bild in Germany, Tottenham are set to make a concrete offer to sign Koln forward Said El Mala in the summer transfer window.

De Zerbi is believed to be very fond of the attacker, who enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Bundesliga despite being just 19 years old.

El Mala, who has been described as a ‘one in a million talent’, contributed 17 goals and assists combined in what was his first season playing top-flight football.

El Mala’s versatility could attract Tottenham to the German youngster. He’s predominantly played on the left-hand side of attack during his career, but can also play on the right, through the middle as a number 10, and even as a centre forward.

The 19-year-old was close to joining Brentford, but he has informed the club that he doesn’t want to join, despite having an agreement. That means his future is completely open again.

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Tottenham Working on Multiple Deals

Sandro Tonali applauding the Newcastle United supporters

GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that Tottenham are willing to pay in the region of £85m to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window.

De Zerbi in particular is pushing to bring the Italian midfielder to North London, with Spurs already holding talks with Tonali.

Spurs have also reached an agreement with Brighton over a move to sign Jan Paul van Hecke in a £52m deal.

Tottenham certainly aren’t messing around after already bringing Senesi and Robertson to the club as they look to head back in the right direction after a difficult couple of years.

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England’s 11 For 2026 World Cup Opener vs Croatia ‘Leaked’

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England’s starting XI for their 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia has been leaked with the match just a few hours away.

The Three Lions, considered one of the favourites to win this summer’s competition in North America, will get their campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The starting 11 that Thomas Tuchel will field for the match against Vatreni has now been leaked, with the German making some big calls.

According to talkSPORT, Jordan Pickford will be the man between the sticks. There’s no surprise there, with the Everton stopper widely expected to be England’s starting goalkeeper throughout the tournament.

The supremely talented Nico O’Reilly will start at left-back, while Chelsea captain Reece James will start on the opposite side.

Perhaps surprisingly, Marc Guehi will start the match on the bench, with John Stones and Ezri Konsa preferred in the centre of defence.

As expected, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will start in the middle of midfield. There were huge question marks as to who would start as the number 10, but it is Jude Bellingham who has reportedly been given the nod over Morgan Rogers.

Anthony Gordon will start on the left wing, while, surprisingly, Noni Madueke will start instead of Bukayo Saka on the right of England’s three-man attack. Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue in the last few months.

Harry Kane was always going to be in the lineup and he starts up front. The 32-year-old, who was sensational for Bayern Munich this season, will be integral to England’s hopes at this summer’s tournament.

More to follow…

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Man Utd to Miss Out on Osasuna Winger Victor Munoz to Newcastle

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Manchester United look set to miss out on one of their targets with a Premier League rival now in advanced talks to secure his signature.

Unfortunately for United, they will be competing with a host of Premier League sides when it comes to new additions in the summer transfer window.

The World Cup adds a new dimension to the window, with players competing at the tournament likely to attract interest from a number of different sides due to there being so many eyes on them.

Players that perform well at the tournament often get big moves in the summer window, with scouts from clubs all around the world attending.

One player starring at the World Cup was a target for United, but it appears that he is now going to join one of their Premier League rivals.


Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick claps the fans


Man Utd Preparing £120m Double Transfer Raid on Same Club

Manchester United are preparing a transfer raid on a club this summer for a pair who could cost £120 million.

Man Utd to Miss Out on Target

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

According to a report from Caught Offside, Osasuna winger Víctor Munoz is in advanced talks to join Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United were reportedly one of the sides interested in signing Munoz, but his priority has always been game time. Newcastle have made a strong case that he will play regularly.

Newcastle are set to pay in the region of £35m, prioritising a move to sign a winger after Anthony Gordon was sold to Barcelona.

Munoz, described as ‘elite’, didn’t appear to be a huge priority for Manchester United, but it could have been a smart deal at a reasonable price.

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Man Utd Focusing on Midfield Additions

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderland via Reuters

Manchester United are clearly looking to prioritise midfielders in the summer transfer window.

Reports have suggested that they are seriously pushing to bring West Ham star Mateus Fernandes to the club, while they have also agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta.

United are believed to have pulled out of the race to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson.

It appears that Fernandes and Ederson could be the two targets for the midfield position, but there is still a chance they look to bring in a third before the window closes.

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