Ilia Topuria broke bones in both eyes during his brutal defeat by Justin Gaethje last weekend. The Spaniard was defending his UFC lightweight title in front of US president Donald Trump at the White House card. Topuria was pulled out after the fourth round, unable to see out of either eye. He was hospitalised but later released.
Injuries Confirmed
The dethroned champion has now left Washington DC. His team confirmed he fractured both orbital bones in his face, but no surgery is required. Topuria will recover at home in Spain and is not expected to fight again this year after suffering his first UFC defeat.
Topuria Breaks Silence
Topuria took to social media after the fight. “Justin, congratulations,” he said. “You said you’d leave your mark on my face… and you did. You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too. No excuses. I had one of the best camps of my life. Last night was your night. That’s the nature of this game. Glory and pain walk side by side. I’ll heal, I’ll rest and I’ll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous. And trust me… this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch.”
Gaethje's Future
Gaethje admitted before the fight he could retire after becoming champion. After beating Topuria, he said: “I am made for these moments. This sport was made for me. I’ve shown why I’m the most consistent, most exciting guy that’s ever been inside the cage.” Asked about retiring, he added: “I promised my mum I wouldn’t make a decision tonight.”
