Topuria Sent to Hospital After 4th-Round UFC Loss as Gaethje Seizes Lightweight Title
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 15
Topuria Sent to Hospital After 4th-Round UFC Loss as Gaethje Seizes Lightweight Title
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 15
Summary
Dana White said Ilia Topuria was taken to a Washington hospital before the winner was even announced after a fourth-round corner stoppage against Justin Gaethje.
Severe swelling around both eyes nearly halted the fight after Round 3, and White said Topuria appeared to have a possible broken orbital, though no diagnosis was confirmed.
A late knee to the body and sustained damage shifted the bout after Topuria's fast start, prompting his coaches to stop the fight before the fifth round.
The defeat was the first of Topuria's career and ended his lightweight title reign, while White said the immediate priority is recovery rather than any return timetable.