Additional Coverage:
- Ilia Topuria immediately sent to hospital after his corner ended UFC White House main event (irishstar.com)
UFC President Dana White has revealed that Ilia Topuria was hospitalized following his surprising loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. The Georgian-Spanish fighter was left severely battered after a brutal main event clash that marked the first defeat of his professional career.
Topuria, 29, had been undefeated until Saturday, but his corner decided to stop the fight after the fourth round due to the extensive damage he sustained at the hands of Gaethje, 37. The fight had been highly anticipated, fueled in part by pre-fight tensions, including Gaethje’s controversial remarks about Topuria’s recent divorce. However, nothing could prepare fans for the intense physical toll the bout would take.
Despite coming in as a significant underdog, Gaethje quickly asserted his dominance, landing a punishing left-right combination in the third round that left Topuria’s face swollen and bruised, with visible damage to both eyes. Topuria nearly appeared unrecognizable, and the fight nearly stopped at that point, but he showed resilience by continuing into the fourth round and even seemed to regain some composure early on.
Nonetheless, Gaethje pressed the attack relentlessly, delivering powerful strikes and a knee to the body just before the round ended. This prompted Topuria’s corner to call an end to the fight, crowning Gaethje as the undisputed lightweight champion.
At the post-fight press conference, Topuria’s absence from the group sitting with Dana White sparked speculation about his condition. When asked by a Spanish reporter, White confirmed that Topuria was receiving medical attention in hospital.
“Ilia’s in the hospital, he’s busted up,” White said. “I’m not a doctor, but his eye looks like he probably has a broken orbital.
I don’t know that for sure, but I’m just assuming.”
White emphasized that Topuria’s health is the top priority. “My plans for him are to go home, rest, recover, and take his time.
Tonight was a rough night for him. I just want to make sure he’s healthy and good.
Not even thinking about him fighting again right now. Just want him to go home and relax and heal.”
Further updates on Topuria’s recovery and timeline for return to competition are expected in the coming days. The fighter recently mentioned plans to retire after one or two more bouts, so his future in the octagon remains uncertain. Reports indicate he does not have a set number of fights left on his UFC contract, adding to speculation about what lies ahead for the promising lightweight contender.