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Ilia Topuria Hospitalised After First Professional Defeat to Justin Gaethje

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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F
femi

Does his hospitalisation after that first UFC defeat change how you view Topuria's future potential?

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M
mel

Do you know what specific injury led to his hospitalization and how it might impact his training schedule?

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K
kris

He did look shaken in the later rounds, but it's hard to know if the earlier damage truly decided the outcome.

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J
jaruma

I no dey convinced say that early rocking really cost am; Gaethje's relentless pressure after round two played bigger role.

0
M
matthew

Moving forward, Topuria might focus on pacing himself in later rounds while refining defensive tactics against heavy hitters.

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