Topuria makes first public appearance since Gaethje loss at UFC White House

Spanish-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria made his first public appearance on Tuesday, two weeks after suffering the first UFC defeat of his career when he lost the lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House.

Has Topuria recovered from his injuries suffered against Gaethje?

A photo shared on social media by singer Omar Montes, a close friend of Topuria, showed the former champion appearing to have recovered from the cuts and bruises he sustained during the fight. However, he was wearing sunglasses that concealed his eyes following the orbital fracture he suffered from Gaethje’s punches.

Topuria now begins his recovery after receiving a 180-day medical suspension because of the injuries sustained in the bout. Once cleared, he is expected to begin preparing for a potential return to the Octagon in an attempt to reclaim the title he lost, although that comeback is unlikely to come before 2027.

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