Ilia Topuria's Trainer Provides Health Update, Future Plans
Ilia Topuria looked unrecognizable at the conclusion of his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. He sat on his stool at the end of round 4 with both eyes nearly swollen shut, blood streaming from his face, and an uncharacteristically defeated posture.
It was the first loss of his career, and one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. Fans wondered if and when he would be able to rebound from his worst night as a professional fighter.
His trainer, Jesus Gallo, provided an update on the former lightweight champion's health and future outlook:
"Day by day he already looks like a completely different person... He looks like he wasn't even in a fight, honestly. All the swelling in his face has gone down, every type of bruising he had.
What the doctor told us was that within 6 to 8 weeks, it should heal properly, especially because there was no displaced fracture. After that, for him to start wrestling again, to start doing things again, it'll take a little while for it to really solidify there. I think we're talking about at least 2 to 3 months, easily.
If you saw us in a rematch or in a fight, it would be toward the end of the year, December. Who knows? We'll see."
Some people believe a loss like that can change a fighter forever since confidence is such a major component of combat sports. Topuria had an aura of invincibility that is now lost because, for the first time in his career, he looked human.
At risk of sounding clichéd, it is true that the mark of a true champion is the ability to come back from adversity. Georges St-Pierre avenged his loss against Matt Serra. Conor McGregor avenged his loss against Nate Diaz. At 29 years of age, Topuria's physical tools aren't going anywhere. But his mental fortitude will now be tested. His next walk to the cage will tell us more about him than any of his undefeated run ever did.
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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 11:36 PM.