Ilia Topuria Hospitalised After First Professional Defeat to Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria suffered the first loss of his pro MMA career in the UFC Freedom 250 main event against Justin Gaethje. Topuria rocked Gaethje early and nearly finished him in round two, only for Gaethje to turn the tide with relentless pressure in the later rounds. Following the fourth round, Topuria’s corner stopped the fight and he was rushed to a Washington, D.C. hospital. Initial concerns raised by UFC CEO Dana White suggested a possible orbital fracture. Later, Spanish MMA reporter Irati Prat confirmed Topuria had a small orbital fracture but would not need surgery, leaving only rest and recovery ahead. Topuria then posted an emotional message congratulating Gaethje, admitting the pain of defeat, and vowing to recover stronger and pursue a rematch when he returns to full health.

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