Ilia Topuria suffers orbital fractures in UFC defeat to Justin Gaethje
Ilia Topuria has suffered orbital and nose fractures following his first professional MMA defeat against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday.
The gruelling bout for the lightweight championship was stopped by the corner between the fourth and fifth rounds.
The previously undefeated fighter had looked unstoppable following recent devastating victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
Extent of the damage revealed
Gaethje inflicted severe punishment from the opening bell, completely shutting the right eye of his opponent by the end of the first round.
Despite a spirited resurgence and a flurry of body shots in the second, the Spaniard eventually succumbed to the blistering pace set by the American.
Pablo Motos, a close confidant of the defeated star, has now clarified the severity of the injuries sustained in the Octagon.
“This morning, I was with Ilia. He has fractures in his orbital bones in his nose. They were treating his wounds and he still couldn’t open his eyes properly.”
Pimblett targets future showdown
A lengthy spell on the sidelines is now inevitable as the mixed martial artist recovers from his extensive facial trauma.
The lightweight division landscape will likely shift significantly before he is medically cleared to compete again.
English rival Paddy Pimblett wasted no time in mocking the stoppage and calling out the injured athlete.
“The only thing you had to do was beat a 38-year-old coming off of a five-round war with me. Instead, you quit on your stool like the little b**** you are.”
Pimblett is scheduled to face Benoit Saint-Denis during International Fight Week.
A victory for the outspoken contender could perfectly position him for a highly anticipated grudge match upon Topuria’s eventual return.
