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Gaethje shocks Topuria to win UFC lightweight title at White House event
TL;DR
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria to win the UFC lightweight title at the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House. After a tough start, Gaethje landed a decisive right hand and a series of jabs, leading Topuria's corner to stop the fight before the final round.
Key points
- Justin Gaethje won the UFC lightweight title
- Defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250
- Event held on the White House lawn
- Topuria's corner stopped the fight before the final round
- Gaethje highlighted his durability and tenacity
Mentioned in this story
Justin GaethjeIlia TopuriaWhite HouseWashington, DC
UFC Freedom 250
American Justin Gaethje has turned the tables on Ilia Topuria to claim a shock win and take the lightweight UFC crown at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the lawn of the White House.
After Topuria (17-1) edged a thrilling first two rounds on Sunday night, Gaethje (28-5) stunned the Spaniard with a crunching right hand before following it up with 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 round, but his corner threw in the towel before the final round in Washington, DC.
“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.”
Gaethje leaves the Octagon after his win [AFP]
The bout headlined the first professional sporting event to be hosted at the White House. It is a key part of United States President Donald Trump’s celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary and was held on his 80th birthday.
In the co-main event, France’s Ciryl Gane dominated Brazil’s Alex Pereira before scoring a stunning second-round knockout win to become the interim UFC heavyweight champion.
Pereira, a former light heavyweight and middleweight champion, was looking to become the first UFC fighter to win titles in three divisions after stepping up to heavyweight.
O’Malley beats Zahabi; Hokit stops Lewis
Sean O’Malley backed up his status as one of the most popular American mixed martial artists, defeating Aiemann Zahabi with a walk-off knockout that will be a staple of UFC highlight reels for years to come.
O’Malley, always the showman, gave a military-style salute to the crowd of service members and the president’s invitees as Zahabi (14-3) was falling to the canvas. The win puts O’Malley (20-3) firmly back into bantamweight title contention, and he’ll likely be next up for champion Petr Yan, whom he called out in his post-fight interview.
Q&A
How did Justin Gaethje win the UFC lightweight title against Ilia Topuria?
Justin Gaethje won by landing a powerful right hand followed by a flurry of jabs that forced Topuria's corner to stop the fight.
What was the location of the UFC Freedom 250 event?
The UFC Freedom 250 event took place on the lawn of the White House in Washington, DC.
What were the fight conditions for Ilia Topuria during the match?
Ilia Topuria struggled with visibility and was checked by a doctor before his corner ultimately decided to throw in the towel.
What did Justin Gaethje say after winning the lightweight title?
Justin Gaethje expressed disbelief at his victory, emphasizing his durability, tenacity, and heart as key factors in overcoming Topuria.
