UFC Star Topuria (29) Shares Candid Update After Severe Injuries: 'You Did That'

An ambulance was called to the White House to rush the 29-year-old Topuria to the hospital. There were serious concerns for his health, and for good reason. He was unrecognizably battered by Gaethje's powerful blows, his face severely disfigured. "Justin, congratulations," Topuria began on Instagram. "You said you'd draw on my face, and you did."

"You took away my vision in my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, the vision in my left eye was gone too. But: no excuses. I had one of the best preparations of my life and was sharp and ready for this fight. This time, it was your night. That's the nature of this sport. Victory and pain go hand in hand."

Topuria is confident he will return from this fight "stronger, wiser, and much more dangerous." "I will recover and rest, and believe me: the story between us is far from over. We will get our rematch," he addressed Gaethje. His Instagram post garnered nearly four million likes and over 135,000 comments within twelve hours.

Footballer Gerard Deulofeu honored 'his king,' receiving 75,000 likes for his comment. Former top cyclist Alberto Contador also offered words of encouragement to his compatriot. 'Ilia, my friend, this will only make you stronger, the story continues. You are great!' he wrote.

Gaethje, who snatched the championship belt from Topuria, has remained largely silent. He only posted a proud photo of his two UFC belts on Instagram Story.