You Need to Lose This Time So You Can Win The Next Round (1) (2023) Drawing by Anton Terziev

"You Need to Lose This Time So You Can Win The Next Round" by Anton Terziev is a powerful and intense black-and-white acrylic drawing that captures the raw emotion and physicality of the UFC 268 event, specifically the thrilling bout between Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje in 2021. The piece reflects not only the brutal combat sport but also the psychological and emotional journey of the fighters within the cage.

Terziev employs an expressive and dynamic use of acrylics to create a highly textured and emotive portrait. The bold black-and-white contrast serves to heighten the drama of the moment, with the stark absence of color emphasizing the tension, struggle, and intensity of the fight. The energetic brushstrokes and varied techniques—from rapid, jagged lines to smoother shading—mirror the chaotic and unpredictable nature of a UFC fight. The thick, bold strokes bring a sense of urgency and force, evoking the visceral energy of the battle within the octagon.

The choice to depict the fighters in profile, their faces contorted with exertion and emotion, draws the viewer’s attention to the determination and sheer willpower that both athletes possess. The fragmented texture of the drawing reflects the physical toll of the fight, and the exaggerated, almost rough quality of the marks conveys the sense of urgency and sacrifice involved in a sport where the stakes are incredibly high.

The title, *"You Need to Lose This Time So You Can Win The Next Round,"* is a poignant reflection of both the literal and metaphorical challenges faced by the fighters. In the context of this specific fight, the notion of loss as a prerequisite for growth and eventual victory is powerful. Both Chandler and Gaethje are known for their relentless fighting styles and ability to endure pain, but the fight itself is a test of resilience—where a temporary setback might lead to future triumph. The fighters, locked in an eternal struggle for dominance, exemplify the philosophical idea that sometimes loss or hardship is a necessary part of the process toward eventual victory.

In this piece, Terziev encapsulates the emotional complexity of such a fight. The use of sharp contrasts between light and dark not only illustrates the fighters’ physical battle but also reflects their internal conflict. The pain and exhaustion in their faces are not just from physical impact but are also a visual metaphor for the mental fortitude required to continue, knowing that the cycle of wins and losses will repeat. In a sport like UFC, each fight is more than just a contest; it is a psychological journey where growth often stems from moments of failure and adversity.

The composition, with its close-up focus on the fighter’s face, emphasizes the intimate, personal nature of the battle. The angular, almost sculptural representation of the face adds a sense of tension and fragility, highlighting the vulnerability of the fighter despite their outward display of strength. Terziev uses the human form not just as a vessel of power but also as a canvas for emotion—exhaustion, pain, determination, and focus are all written on the faces of the fighters.

The lack of background or other contextual elements places all the attention on the fighter’s profile, enhancing the viewer's perception of the mental and physical state of the athlete. The absence of distractions draws a direct line between the athlete’s inner world and the external pressure they face in the cage.

Furthermore, the use of black and white not only conveys the brutal nature of the sport but also symbolizes the duality between victory and defeat, light and dark, strength and vulnerability. The interplay between these opposites mirrors the cyclical nature of a fighter’s career—where each loss is part of the process of achieving greater success and resilience.

The emotional impact of the piece is profound, as Terziev captures both the violence and the tenderness inherent in combat sports. The fighters’ faces, worn and intense, invite the viewer to reflect on their own struggles and the price of pushing one's limits. The tension and rawness of the artwork convey the immense mental and physical challenge faced by these athletes, whose careers are defined by the pursuit of greatness despite the repeated setbacks.

This portrayal of vulnerability, juxtaposed with incredible strength, resonates with anyone who has ever faced adversity. It invites the viewer to consider not only the fight itself but also the broader narrative of resilience and personal growth that defines not just UFC fighters but anyone striving toward a difficult goal.

Anton Terziev’s *"You Need to Lose This Time So You Can Win The Next Round"* is a deeply evocative and expressive work that delves into the human side of combat sports. Through the use of black-and-white acrylics, dynamic brushwork, and a raw, textured portrayal of the fighters’ faces, the painting captures the mental, emotional, and physical toll of the UFC 268 fight between Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje. The work speaks to the larger themes of loss, resilience, and the inevitable cycle of struggle and triumph that define not only sports but life itself. Terziev’s piece is both a powerful tribute to the fighters and a poignant meditation on the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Part of No Time For Losers series of drawings, object, photography and paintings (2019-)

Related themes

Fighter