Ilia Topuria taken to hospital as images of injuries show face disfigured after UFC White House beating

Ilia Topuria was left in a bad way after his stunning defeat to Justin Gaethje.

Topuria was the overwhelming favourite to defend his UFC lightweight title in a huge clash on the historic bill in front of the White House in Washington DC.

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But Gaethje rolled back the years with a phenomenal display, inflicting some bad damage on Topuria during a brutal victory.

The champion had his face left battered, bruised and bloody and his corner saw no choice but to throw in the towel at the end of the fourth round.

It was a monumental victory for Gaethje, but it left ‘El Matador’ in a bad way as he sat on his stool.

His face was left in a complete state, with swelling so bad that he looked unrecognisable.

Topuria’s face looked completely disfigured with his nose and eyes badly swollen from the gruelling cage warfare.

Blood was also splattered around his face, and he received treatment inside the cage.

Immediately after the result was announced and Gaethje was declared the new undisputed champion, Topuria was whisked away from the cage.

The defeated Georgian-Spaniard was immediately taken to hospital to receive medical expertise on his injuries.

After one of the most violent fights in recent UFC memory, it is no surprise he has been taken to hospital.

But many fighters are taken to hospital as a precaution to ensure they haven’t sustained lasting damage.

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Topuria will likely have scans to rule out more sinister injuries, and will likely have his cuts repaired and swelling eased.

UFC president Dana White gave an update on Topuria.

He said: “He’s at hospital, he’s busted up. I’m not a doctor but his eye looked like a broken orbital.

“I don’t know that, I’m just assuming. My plan is for him to go home and recover and rest. I’m not thinking about him fighting again.”

Gaethje on Topuria injuries and potential rematch

Topuria was left in a bad way as ‘The Highlight’ delivered a spectacularly crushing display to snatch the belt.

But he didn’t have much sympathy for his rival as he left the cage and was taken to a medical facility.

Gaethje labelled Topuria a ‘pretty boy’ and although admitting respect, insists he now faces an uncertain future.

He explained: “He was such a pretty boy, he was so concerned about the blood immediately, he touched it over and over again.

“He definitely rocked me though too, he was so dangerous but I trusted my abilities.

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“I’m such a huge fan of this kid, but where do you go back from here? It’s going to be very tough.

“I don’t want to say anything bad about this guy, he is a world champion. But he’s in the hospital and I’m not.”

On a potential sequel between the pair, Gaethje added: “I don’t even know [what’s next].

“Definitely not a rematch though, I made him quit on the stool.

“I won three rounds to one. In any election, that is a domination.”