Gaethje shocks Topuria to win UFC lightweight title at White House event

Historic win at the White House

Justin Gaethje claimed a shocking victory over Ilia Topuria on Sunday night to win the UFC lightweight title at the “UFC Freedom 250” event held on the White House grounds. The bout headlined the first professional sporting event ever hosted at the White House, part of President Donald Trump’s celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Topuria (17-1) edged the first two rounds, but Gaethje (28-5) stunned him with a crushing right hand in the third, followed by a brutal flurry of jabs that left his opponent’s face swollen and bloodied. Topuria appeared to have trouble seeing and was checked by a doctor before continuing through the fourth, but his corner threw in the towel before the final round.

“I cannot even believe it … I knew I was going to have to get through the first round, his skills are unmatched when he’s fresh,” Gaethje said. “But my durability, my tenacity and my heart were going to carry me through.”

Other notable fights

The co-main event saw France’s Ciryl Gane dominate Brazil’s Alex Pereira before scoring a stunning second-round knockout to become the interim UFC heavyweight champion. Pereira was aiming to become the first UFC fighter to win titles in three divisions.

Sean O’Malley defeated Aiemann Zahabi with a walk-off knockout, saluting the crowd of service members after the win. O’Malley called out champion Petr Yan in his post-fight interview.

Josh Hokit continued his rise, finishing knockout king Derrick Lewis with a combination of punches at 4:09 of the second round to improve to 10-0.

Mauricio Ruffy stopped 40-year-old Michael Chandler at 4:29 of the first round with a roundhouse kick and finishing blows, likely ending Chandler’s UFC career. Bo Nickal earned his second straight victory, finishing Kyle Daukaus with elbows in the first round. After a rain delay, Diego Lopes knocked out Steve Garcia with a combination of punches at 2:42 of the second round.