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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje participates in a press conference with other fight winners and Dana White following UFC Freedom 250 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Nathan Posner\/Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n Anadolu via Getty Images<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Justin Gaethje<\/a> will be sidelined for at least six months following his epic TKO victory over Ilia Topuria<\/a> at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Like a few others who battled on that night, Gaethje was handed a 180-day medical suspension to heal the injuries he suffered in the scrap with Topuria. Let’s talk MMA.<\/p>\n Gaethje suffered two injuries during the fight that were significant enough for the commission to force him out of action for six months.<\/p>\n Specifically, the 180-day term hinges on MRI clearance for his right wrist and left knee<\/a>, with another 45 days of mandatory rest attached. The layoff is medical rather than disciplinary, the routine fallout of a five-round war instead of any misconduct.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Based on this timetable, Gaethje could fight as early as January 2027, but it’s more likely to be the spring, all things considered. His opponent, Topuria, also drew a 180-day suspension, but seemed to have far more serious injuries with two fractured orbital bones. Topuria doesn’t need surgery and theoretically, the two men could rematch in February or March 2027. However, the summer time seems more realistic for a rematch.<\/p>\n Because the suspension is capped at “up to” 180 days, clean scans on the wrist and knee could clear Gaethje sooner. That flexibility is why an early-2027 return stays realistic even with the six-month maximum on paper.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Gaethje put on a masterful performance scoring a fourth-round TKO win after Topuria’s corner stopped the fight between the fourth and fifth frames. The fight was a back-and-forth barnburner and one of the best lightweight title fights in UFC<\/a> history.<\/p>\nKey Facts at a Glance<\/h2>\n
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Why Was Justin Gaethje Suspended?<\/h2>\n
When Can Justin Gaethje Fight Again?<\/h2>\n
What Happened At UFC Freedom 250?<\/h2>\n