Topuria Suffered Orbital and Nasal Fractures in Loss to Gaethje at Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria sustained fractures to both orbital bones and his nose during his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, according to a close friend of Topuria's, Pablo Motas. Topuria was unable to fully open his eyes after the fight but has since been discharged and is recovering at home. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira continued his public campaign to have referee Herb Dean suspended over the stoppage, while Dean released video responses explaining his decisions on blows to the back of the head. Separately, authorities confirmed a foiled drone attack plot targeting the event, with several suspects taken into custody before the show took place.