‘Still Can’t Punch’ – Justin Gaethje Reveals Lasting Damage From Ilia Topuria Fight
Justin Gaethje is still reeling from a defeat at UFC Freedom 250 two months ago.
Ilia Topuria looked like he had survived a train wreck after four rounds with Justin Gaethje. Not only did the veteran hand the Spaniard his first UFC loss, but he also left him battered and bruised after what turned into a far tougher night than many expected.
Fans were stunned as what initially looked like a favorable matchup for Topuria went south, with “The Highlight” weathering the early storm before his experience took over. Ever since the UFC Freedom 250 beatdown, Topuria has been on the sidelines, recovering from the aftermath of his first UFC defeat. Surprisingly, Gaethje isn't exactly walking away from the fight unscathed either. The former interim champion is still feeling the effects of those four rounds, just in a rather unusual way.
Justin Gaethje Opens Up About His Battle Scars
Even for Gaethje, who has been involved in some of the UFC's brutal wars, the Topuria fight was tough. He revealed that he spent three weeks at home recovering after UFC Freedom 250, and while life has otherwise been treating him well, his body is still reminding him of what happened inside the Octagon.
“(Life) has been absolutely incredible since (UFC Freedom 250). I got to go home and recover a little bit for three weeks. I still can't punch anything. Both of my hands still hurt from the fight,” Gaethje told Sports Illustrated in a recent exclusive. Now that admission adds depth to a fight that has largely been discussed through the lens of Topuria's injuries.
The 29-year-old reportedly suffered fractures to both orbital bones and his nose during the bout, while Gaethje was handed a 180-day medical suspension of his own and required to undergo examinations on his right wrist and left knee.
Justin Gaethje Resting Up
In essence, “The Highlight” did not exactly emerge from the fight unscathed like many MMA pages suggest. And perhaps that is why he sounds perfectly comfortable putting his gloves away for a while.
Furthermore, Gaethje has already fought twice in the opening six months of 2026, and rather than rush back simply because he holds the lightweight championship, he wants to take a step back and figure out what comes next.
He added, “So I'm just gonna enjoy being champion for the rest of the year because I fought two times already in the first six months.” Beyond competition, there is also a more personal side to the decision. During the same exclusive, Gaethje admitted he intends to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to return to the grind. More importantly, he plans to lean on the people closest to him.
“You know, put everything on paper, pros and cons. Talk to all my family that loves me, that I trust to be honest with me, and then I'll make a decision.”
Gaethje Isn't Rushing UFC Return
The biggest question now is when the new lightweight champion will be back. Gaethje does not appear to have an answer yet. The UFC will ultimately have plenty of say in the matter, particularly with the division waiting to see how the championship picture develops.
The 37-year-old isn't convinced that his next opponent will necessarily be the man he just beat - “Ultimately, the UFC is gonna make the decision about who I'm gonna fight next.” That leaves plenty of room for speculation.
That said, Topuria's return is also difficult to predict after the damage he sustained. However, if both men are taking the time to recover, a rematch could potentially make sense down the road, but the lightweight champion doesn't sound as though he is already looking toward that fight.
No Word on Topuria's Next Fight
“I mean, who knows when he'll return? I guess if I'm not fighting until next year, he's probably not gonna fight until next year too, seeing as he's probably recovering from some things,” he said.
“But I don't know. I don't think that's my next fight. I don't feel it in my gut,” he added. For now, that may be the clearest indication of Gaethje's plans.
He has the belt. He has already fought twice this year. And his hands still hurt badly enough that he cannot even throw a punch. So it's for the best to let the body recover while the lightweight landscape evolves.
