Topuria eye injury raises questions over UFC White House stoppage

A ringside doctor recommended stopping Ilia Topuria's main event clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC White House after round three due to eye injuries, according to a report from The MMA Draw, but referee Marc Goddard allowed the featherweight champion to continue into round four after consulting with UFC medical director Dr. Jeff Davidson.

The incident has sparked debate over regulatory oversight at the White House event, which was sanctioned by the Association of Boxing Commissions rather than the local District of Columbia commission. California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster, who had oversight of the card, defended Goddard's decision in an interview with Ariel Helwani. "I was right there and I was listening to this, and [Topuria] wanted to continue," Foster said. "He absolutely wanted to continue. He did not want to end that fight. The fighter himself is wanting this to continue."

Doctor Davidson's involvement raises eyebrows

Foster confirmed that Davidson entered the cage after the initial physician's assessment and conferred with Goddard before the fight resumed. "When the other doctor got in, took a look, they conversed and Marc Goddard let it go out for the fourth round as the fighter wanted," Foster told Helwani. He added that Topuria had "earned the right to swim in the deep end of the pool" given his undefeated record and championship status.

Translated corner audio from between rounds reportedly captured Topuria telling his team he could not see out of his right eye, per The MMA Draw. Under California's Business and Professions Code, a doctor has authority to stop a fight when conferring with a referee, though the Unified Rules grant referees sole discretion on medical stoppages.

Davidson previously faced scrutiny over therapeutic use exemptions granted to UFC fighters for testosterone replacement therapy during the early 2010s. Topuria absorbed heavy punishment from Gaethje in round four before the fight was stopped, losing his featherweight title. No timetable has been announced for his return.

Source: themmadraw.com