Topuria medical update: injuries, health status and how long recovery could take
The Spanish fighter is still in a Washington hospital where he is undergoing tests. According to UFC president Dana White, the former champion may have suffered an orbital fracture.

“Topuria is busted up. My plan for him is to go home and rest, to take his time. Tonight was a rough night for him. I think he has ‘a broken orbital bone,’” said Dana White, CEO of the UFC, at the post-event press conference at the White House where the Spaniard lost to American Gaethje.
However, AS has since learned from sources close to Topuria that those fears proved unfounded. The Spanish-Georgian fighter underwent medical tests in Washington, D.C., which confirmed he did not suffer any fractures and will not require surgery. While he remains badly bruised and swollen following the punishing loss to Justin Gaethje, his team expects him to make a full recovery with rest and rehabilitation.
🚨 Dana White says Ilia Topuria is in the hospital right now, and believes he has a broken orbital bone 😳
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 15, 2026
"He's busted up. My plans for him are to go home and rest, take his time. Tonight was a rough night for him." pic.twitter.com/y3ox7hqGfG
Orbital fractures are serious injuries affecting the bones and surrounding tissues that form the eye socket. They are typically caused by significant trauma, such as a punch or direct impact to the face.
Common symptoms can include double vision, swelling, pain and the sensation that the eye has sunk deeper into the socket. In more severe cases, the injury can affect the muscles responsible for eye movement and potentially compromise vision.
The extent of Topuria’s injury, and the timeline for his recovery, obviously depend on the results of the medical tests that were carried out in Washington. Once an official medical report is released, it will provide a clearer picture of both the severity of the fracture and the amount of time he may need before returning to training.
For now, the focus is on determining the full extent of the damage sustained during the toughest night of Topuria’s professional career.
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