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Underdog Gaethje Stops Topuria, Inflicts Orbital Fracture

6/16/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria by fourth-round TKO on June 14, 2026.
Ilia Topuria suffered swollen eyes, an orbital fracture, was taken to a Washington, DC hospital, and was described by UFC CEO Dana White as having a broken eye.
Ilia Topuria Instagrammed to Justin Gaethje, said he lost sight in both eyes and vowed a rematch.
Justin Gaethje entered as a betting underdog and earned an $825,000 Fight of the Night bonus.

History

Historical Context

On July 11 2015 UFC 189 in Las Vegas, champion Robbie Lawler defended his welterweight title against challenger Rory MacDonald, earning Fight of the Night and a $50,000 bonus for each fighter. The bout was later named 2015 Fight of the Year and entered the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2023, underscoring the promotion’s tradition of rewarding historic, high-stakes matchups.

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Story summary

Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria by fourth-round TKO on June 14, 2026.
Ilia Topuria suffered swollen eyes, an orbital fracture, was taken to a Washington, DC hospital, and was described by UFC CEO Dana White as having a broken eye.
Ilia Topuria Instagrammed to Justin Gaethje, said he lost sight in both eyes and vowed a rematch.
Justin Gaethje entered as a betting underdog and earned an $825,000 Fight of the Night bonus.

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