Ilia Topuria, the undefeated UFC light-weight champion, used his platform on September 15, 2025, to specific solidarity with civilians affected by the battle in Gaza. Talking on the New Economic system Discussion board in Madrid, Topuria emphasised that nobody ought to endure or lose entry to primary wants corresponding to water and meals. He acknowledged that “we by no means need anybody to die on the earth” and affirmed his help for Gaza’s households, declaring that if he may, he would halt the conflict instantly as a result of he can not settle for the continuing violence.
Ilia Topuria Shows Support for Gaza
Topuria’s remarks came during a breakfast briefing at Madrid’s Real Casino Gran Círculo, where Spanish and international business and political figures gathered to discuss global economic trends. The Georgian-Spanish fighter addressed the humanitarian disaster ensuing from Israeli army operations in Gaza, which adopted the October 7, 2023, Hamas assaults. He characterised the civilian struggling as unacceptable and urged a cessation of hostilities to stop additional lack of life and deprivation of important assets.
“The truth is you can never support that kind of cause. We never want anyone to die in the world. We always want nobody to lack anything, that everyone has water to drink, bread to eat. And honestly, from here we send all our support to the families in Gaza, we stand with you. If I had the chance to do something, I would stop that war right now because I don’t accept it.”
The champion’s feedback present a growing development of athletes talking out on worldwide points. Topuria, who claimed the UFC light-weight title in June 2025 with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, has maintained a spotless skilled document of 17-0. His willingness to diverge from the everyday give attention to sport displays a broader consciousness of world challenges amongst modern fighters. By invoking primary humanitarian ideas – guaranteeing that nobody lacks water to drink or bread to eat – he framed the Gaza state of affairs as a common concern fairly than a political stance.
The battle has resulted in devastating casualties, with the Gaza Well being Ministry reporting that over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed because the conflict started in October 2023, alongside greater than 165,000 accidents. Latest information exhibits the dying toll climbing quickly, with practically 100 Palestinians killed in simply the previous 24 hours as of September 16, 2025. Worldwide organizations estimate that roughly 80 p.c of these killed are civilians, with girls and kids comprising about 70 p.c of verified fatalities.
Topuria additionally declined to endorse requires banning Israeli athletes from competitions in response to the Gaza battle. He argued that politics and sport ought to stay separate spheres, a place echoed by Arturo Guillén, president of WOW, the Spanish UFC promoter, who attended the identical occasion. Guillén cautioned in opposition to politicizing sporting occasions and reiterated that the promotion welcomes members from all backgrounds with out discrimination.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza has drawn worldwide criticism and prompted appeals for a truce from governments, support organizations, and public figures. Experiences point out that tens of hundreds of civilians have been displaced and that primary companies are disrupted, exacerbating the disaster.
