sports
Gaethje wins undisputed lightweight title as Topuria suffers first loss and facial injuries at UFC White House event
Gaethje claimed the undisputed lightweight title after four rounds on June 14. Topuria sustained multiple facial injuries but requires no surgery. His trainer reported on June 26 that swelling has subsided.
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Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria by unanimous decision after four rounds on June 14, 2026, at the UFC White House event, claiming the undisputed lightweight title. Yardbarker.com reported that the outcome marked Topuria’s first professional loss. Topuria sustained non-displaced fractures in both orbital bones, a broken nose, severe cuts, swelling and bruises across his face.
He lost vision in his right eye during the first round and in his left eye during the second round. None of the injuries required surgery. Jesus Gallo, Topuria’s long-term fitness coach and physical trainer, stated on June 26 that the swelling on Topuria’s face had already subsided.
Gallo added that Topuria could begin wrestling again in two to three months. Topuria trained at the Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, ahead of the bout. His camp included wrestling drills, strength training, high-intensity pad work, sparring, power punching, counterpunching, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, medicine ball drills, endurance circuits and striking drills.
The day after the fight, Topuria posted on Instagram that Gaethje had left his mark on his face and pledged to return stronger for a rematch. ESPN MMA shared an Instagram post from Gallo on June 26 that included the update.
