Ilia Topuria hospitalized after UFC Freedom 250 TKO loss

Former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria was transported to a local hospital following his corner stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday night in Washington, D.C.

Company officials confirmed to MMA Mania that Topuria underwent a precautionary CT scan of his head and face after the violent finish on the South Lawn of the White House. The event marked UFC's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and aired live on Paramount+.

Topuria's unbeaten run ends in brutal fashion

Gaethje captured the undisputed lightweight title by battering the previously undefeated Georgian across multiple rounds before Topuria's corner waved off the fight. The stoppage snapped Topuria's 17-0 record and ended a three-fight knockout streak that included wins over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. Topuria had held both the featherweight and lightweight belts simultaneously before the loss.

Hospital transports for precautionary reasons are common practice after damage-heavy UFC fights, per MMA Mania. Scan results had not been released as of early Monday morning.

Gaethje finally claimed an undisputed UFC title after years of near-misses and interim reigns. The win positions him as one of the sport's biggest stars, though speculation has already begun about whether he will retire following the career-defining achievement.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Mangled Ilia Topuria transported to hospital following UFC Freedom 250 title loss
• MMA Mania — UFC Freedom 250 live results, highlights, play-by-play | Topuria vs. Gaethje