Gaethje bucks odds, Topuria to claim UFC title
Key takeaways
- Justin Gaethje finally reached the mountaintop and forced Ilia Topuria to retire at the end of Round 4 in a brutal and violent showdown to become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
- But the outstanding battle between Topuria and Gaethje highlighted the historic seven fight card that was staged underneath the 92-foot-high structure known as "the claw" constructed specifically for this event.
- But he had never been in a back-and-forth battle like he was with Gaethje, who has made a career out of exhilarating brawls.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Justin Gaethje finally reached the mountaintop and forced Ilia Topuria to retire at the end of Round 4 in a brutal and violent showdown to become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
It was a monumental upset in a Fight of the Year candidate that headlined UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in front of President Trump and over 4,000 fans, with another estimated 80,000 on The Ellipse exploding into jubilation for the American who finally realized his dream of becoming the undisputed champion.
The unprecedented fight card on the White House's South Lawn was delayed 45 minutes by inclement weather but eventually went on without a hitch as Gaethje's stunning finish completed a night where every single fight ended in a knockout.