Ilia Topuria suffered a devastating defeat at UFC White House, and it could be a while before we see the former two-division champion in the octagon again.
Spanish news site Marca reported Tuesday that Topuria was released from the hospital with non-displaced fractures in both orbital bones following his brutal stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje on Sunday. The news comes as no surprise to anyone who watched the fight, as Topuria badly bloodied and beaten en route to losing his 155-pound title to Gaethje when Topuria’s corner stopped the fight at the end of Round 4.
Despite the damage, Topuria reportedly will not need surgery. However, there is no timetable set for his return, and the injuries clearly put his chances of another 2026 fight in jeopardy.
Heading into UFC White House, Topuria was undefeated at 17-0 and looking to defend the lightweight title for the first time after winning it via a highlight-reel knockout over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025. “El Matador” also previously held the featherweight title, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the belt, and then finishing Max Holloway in his lone title defense. He was heavily favored to defeat Gaethje.
However, Gaethje drew Topuria into a back-and-forth standup battle, one that Topuria almost won as he stunned Gaethje with punches to the body in the second round. “The Highlight” recovered and went on to outlast Topuria, eventually forcing his team to throw in the towel due to the accumulated damage, with Topuria’s vision badly compromised.
Topuria released a statement on social media following the loss in which he praised Gaethje and vowed to return for a rematch.
Justin, congratulations. 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. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. 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.
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