Ilia Topuria targets December UFC return after severe Justin Gaethje loss
Ilia Topuria is recovering rapidly from severe facial injuries sustained against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 and could return to the Octagon by December.
The 27-year-old suffered his first professional defeat during the landmark event on the grounds of the White House, losing his lightweight championship.
A relentless assault from the new champion resulted in broken orbital bones in both eyes for the defending titleholder.
The brutal contest was halted between the fourth and fifth rounds when heavy swelling completely shut the adopted Spaniard’s vision.
Trainer confirms rapid physical recovery
Speculation had immediately mounted regarding the long-term career impact of such a devastating physical toll.
However, physical trainer Jesus Gallo has dismissed fears of permanent damage and provided a highly optimistic medical update.
Speaking to SerEbro EnlosDeportes, Gallo revealed that his fighter is already unrecognisable from the night of the defeat.
“Day by day, he already looks like a completely different person.”
“He looks like he wasn’t even in a fight, honestly. All the swelling in his face has gone down, every type of bruising he had.”
Future title picture remains uncertain
Before facing Gaethje, the former undefeated star had established a terrifying reputation by delivering devastating finishes against established champions Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
A return to contact training is still several months away to allow the bilateral orbital fractures to fully solidify.
“I think we’re talking about at least two to three months, easily. If you saw us in a rematch or in a fight, it would be toward the end of the year, December.”
The former titleholder has already publicly demanded an immediate rematch to reclaim his lightweight crown.
The promotion must now weigh that request against the claims of top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan, who has been awaiting a championship opportunity since defeating Dan Hooker last November.
A highly anticipated European clash with rising star Paddy Pimblett could also serve as a potential comeback bout if the Liverpool native defeats Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329.
