Topuria Speaks Out After Shocking Upset Loss
Ilia Topuria (17-1) was taken to hospital following his stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje (28-5) at UFC Freedom 250 last weekend, and it has since been revealed he suffered a fractured orbital bone, though surgery will not be required…just some time off.
Topuria had entered the fight as a massive 6-1 favorite and showed early promise, threatening a finish in the second round before Gaethje weathered the storm and took over, until his corner pulled him out after the fourth. Topuria acknowledged the damage he absorbed while offering no excuses, as he says he wants to heal and then have rematch.
“Justin, congratulations. You said you’d leave your mark on my face… and you did. You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too. No excuses. I had one of the best camps of my life. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night. I’ll heal. I’ll rest. And I’ll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous. This story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch,” Topuria