Ilia Topuria breaks silence after Justin Gaethje loss as brutal injury confirmed

Ilia Topuria has spoken out for the first time to confirm he suffered a brutal injury during his loss to Justin Gaethje.

In one of the biggest upsets in recent history, popular UFC star Gaethje beat Topuria to claim the lightweight title at the historic UFC White House card.

The pair traded blows in a fight of the year contendor that could have been won by either man, but ultimately it was the American that had his arm raised after Topuria couldn't make it off his stool for the final round.

Following the loss, a battered Topuria with a face covered in cuts had to be supported as he left the octagon by members of his team, including brother and fellow UFC fighter Aleksandre Topuria.

Since then the former champion has been subject to criticism from several of his rivals, including Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett, while fans have raised concerns over his health.

And now, Topuria has finally spoken out to address the loss and his injuries in a statement posted on Instagram.

"Justin, congratulations. You said you’d leave your mark on my face… and you did," the former champion wrote.

"You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too.

"No excuses.I had one of the best camps of my life. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night.

"That’s the nature of this game. Glory and pain walk side by side.

"I’ll heal. I’ll rest. And I’ll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous.

"And trust me… this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch."

Ilia Topuria's team release statement confirming injury

Topuria confirming that he wasn't able to see out of either of his eyes by the time the fight ended is no doubt a major concern for fans.

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But, according to Spanish journalist Irati Prat the only notable injury that suffered by the 29-year-old was a small orbital fracture.

And thankfully the report confirmed that there is no need for surgery, and that Topuria will simply need to rest in order to heal from the fight.

In a statement to ESPN, Iñigo Perez of Ilia Topuria's team confirmed this news, saying: "Ilia is OK. Only injuries that need recovery time after a tough fight. He is out of the hospital, at home."