Spanish mixed martial artist Ilia Topuria is recovering from facial fractures and targeting a UFC rematch against Justin Gaethje following his first career loss. Topuria, who fights under the nickname El Matador, lost to Gaethje in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House to celebrate the 80th birthday of United States President Donald Trump. The defeat brought an end to Topuria's undefeated professional record, leaving him at 17-1, and prevented him from retaining the UFC lightweight championship title.
Topuria finished the fight with a bloody face. A subsequent medical examination confirmed that he suffered fractures in both orbital bones and another in his nasal septum. Fortunately, he did not require surgery. His primary objective following the bout is the natural consolidation of the bones and the full recovery of vision in his right eye.
The Athletic Commission imposed a mandatory 180-day inactivity sanction on Topuria, making it impossible for him to return to the octagon during 2026. Despite the suspension, his team reported positive news regarding his recovery, stating that his healing is progressing as expected.
Recovery progress and injury diagnosis
Topuria's physical trainer, Cuban trainer Jesus Gallo, provided details about his status during an interview on the YouTube channel of combat sports journalist Jorge Ebro. Gallo stated that Topuria is a completely different person day by day, adding that all facial swelling and bruises have gone down to the point where he honestly does not look like he was in a fight.
Gallo explained that doctors expect the injuries to heal properly within six to eight weeks because there were no displaced fractures. He added that it will take two to three months for the bones to solidify enough before Topuria can begin training and prepare to fight again. Based on that medical assessment, Topuria's team believes his timeline could shorten, raising the possibility of a return to the octagon during the current season.
Rematch push and alternative opponents
Topuria's representative, Malki Kawa, shared an image on Instagram depicting a potential rematch against Gaethje, writing that they want this fight. Topuria's team is insisting on an immediate rematch with the opponent who handed him his first loss at UFC Freedom 250.
However, Gaethje expressed a different stance immediately after his victory, as reported by DAZN. The American fighter virtually ruled out an immediate repeat matchup, stating that Topuria must first earn a victory over another opponent before receiving another shot against him.
That scenario would force Topuria to take an intermediate bout. Within a lightweight division filled with options, one candidate is Paddy Pimblett, a name connected with Topuria for years due to history outside the octagon that would require little additional promotion. Although his first professional defeat altered his standing, Topuria's team remains confident that a second fight against Gaethje would yield a different outcome and hopes the UFC will approve the immediate rematch.
