Ilia Topuria hides effects of Justin Gaethje loss in first public appearance since UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria was seen in public 16 days on from the primary lack of his profession.

On June 14, Topuria was beaten by Justin Gaethje within the lightweight title unification matchup that headlined the White House card.

‘El Matador’ suffered significant injuries within the fight that led to him not coming out of his corner for the fifth and final round.

With Topuria potentially fighting again in 2026 not off the cards, the previous champion was recently photographed for the primary time since his defeat.

After losing his belt and undefeated record, what’s next for Ilia Topuria?

Ilia Topuria hides eye injuries via sunglasses in first public photos following UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria received a six-month medical suspension following his first loss that may very well be reduced to only 60 days if he gets cleared by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

On June 30, several photos surfaced online and gave fans their first glimpse of ‘El Matador’ since he exited the Octagon on the White House lawn.

The previous champion appears to be spending time with family and friends while wearing sunglasses that hide any damage that he suffered around his eyes.

Musician Omar Montes also shared a photograph of Topuria on his Instagram story, showing a gathering seated around a Burger King table.

Once more, while the UFC star’s face looks to have recovered well, his sunglasses obstruct where he suffered probably the most significant damage on June 14.

Getting back from these injuries shouldn’t be a problem for Topuria, though Justin Gaethje doubts whether his former opponent will give you the option to achieve the heights that many expected him to hit.

‘The Highlight’ argued that by going into the later rounds with the previous featherweight champion and beating him, future foes won’t be afraid to step contained in the Octagon with him anymore.