Ilia Topuria suspended six months for broken face after UFC White House loss

Former lightweight champion Ilia Topuria landed a six-month medical suspension after breaking both orbital bones in his title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, per MMA Junkie.

The unbeaten Spaniard absorbed a four-round beating at Freedom 250 in Washington, DC, last weekend, dropping his first professional bout. Gaethje also drew a 180-day sit pending clearance of possible wrist and knee injuries, according to the District of Columbia athletic commission.

Multiple fighters face extended layoffs after UFC White House

Alex Pereira joins the half-year club with a suspension pending a negative maxillofacial CT scan, as do Aiemann Zahabi and Steve Garcia. Zahabi and Pereira took TKO losses, while Garcia suffered a knockout defeat and requires a left-hand X-ray clearance. Michael Chandler and Derrick Lewis each drew 45-day mandatory rests following their own stoppage losses.

Topuria must gain written clearance from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon before returning to the cage. The commission issued him an additional 60-day mandatory rest for the TKO. Fighters often cut their suspensions short once doctors sign off, but the orbital fractures typically demand at least three months of healing time.

UFC has not announced a date for Topuria's return or whether the promotion will book an immediate rematch with Gaethje.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Ilia Topuria benched six months for broken face following UFC White House medical suspensions