Following his defeat at UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria has been discharged from a hospital in Washington, D.C., and is now continuing his recovery at home. The Spanish-Georgian fighter will not be returning to competition in 2026 after sustaining significant injuries during his bout with Justin Gaethje.
Details of Topuria’s Injuries and Recovery
The medical evaluation revealed that Topuria suffered two orbital fractures, with the right eye sustaining the most serious damage. Despite the severity of these injuries, surgery will not be necessary. Instead, Topuria will undergo a standard treatment protocol, which is expected to facilitate a quicker recovery and alleviate concerns among his supporters.
Now 29 years old, Topuria has begun focusing on both physical rehabilitation and mental healing as he prepares for his eventual return to the octagon.
In a recent statement shared on his Instagram, Topuria acknowledged his opponent’s victory but made it clear that their rivalry is far from over. “Justin, congratulations. You said you’d leave your mark on my face… and you did,” he wrote. He went on to promise a comeback, stating, “I’ll heal. I’ll rest. And I’ll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous. And trust me… this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch.”