Recovered? Ilia Topuria appears in a photo for the first time after having her face disfigured at UFC Casa Branca.

Ilia Topuria was defeated for Justin gaethje in the main fight of UFC White HousePhoto: UFC Europe / X

PUBLICITY:

Ilia Topuria He finally emerged from the shadows after a period away from the spotlight. The Spaniard experienced a night to forget in... UFC White House, held on June 14, when he was forced to withdraw from the fight against Justin gaethje devido to facial injuries which left him unrecognizable and cost him the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg).

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Since his defeat, the former champion had not appeared publicly. However, Topuria appeared for the first time in a photo posted to the Instagram stories of his friend, the singer Omar Montes. In the image, the fighter appears to be in good physical condition, but is wearing sunglasses, which hide possible marks from the injuries he suffered.

🫡🇪🇸 Ilia Topuria's first public appearance since his loss to Justin gaethje at UFC White House.

👀 It looks like he's healing quickly. pic.twitter.com/WBtfQ041iO

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) June 30, 2026

Justin Gaethje transformed Ilia Topuria's face at UFC Casa Branca

Topuria was punished by Gaethje in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

PUBLICITY:

After a balanced first round, Ilia Topuria He returned for the second half determined to justify the favoritism shown at five to one against Justin gaethje No. UFC White HouseDespite landing some good punches and coming close to finishing the fight, the American held on, and the Spaniard returned for the third round already showing clear signs of fatigue.

With Topuria slowing down, Gaethje began to find his range with precise jabs and even managed to stagger the former champion with a powerful straight punch. Gradually, the Spaniard's face became deformed from the accumulated damage, until, in the break between the fourth and fifth rounds, his team opted to stop the fight.

After the fight, it was confirmed that Topuria suffered fractures to the orbital bones of her face and to her nose.