Gaethje Triumphs in Landmark Bout
American fighter Justin Gaethje delivered a memorable performance at the White House, capturing the undisputed UFC lightweight title against Ilia Topuria. The 37-year-old, considered the underdog, stopped Topuria at the conclusion of the fourth round, marking his first undisputed championship victory.
Throughout the brutal contest, Gaethje inflicted significant damage on Topuria. The Georgian-Spaniard's corner ultimately retired him before the start of the fifth round, resulting in the first defeat of his 18-fight professional career.
UFC Freedom 250: A Unique Celebration
The event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' was held on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday as part of celebrations commemorating 250 years of American independence. Following his victory, which UFC commentator Joe Rogan described as a significant upset, Gaethje performed his signature backflip from the cage and then shook hands with President Trump.
In a spirited post-fight interview, Gaethje drew parallels between his underdog status and the fight for American independence. "I'm from America, 250 years ago we were way bigger than 6-1 dogs, and look at us thriving now," Gaethje stated. He also extended his gratitude to military service members, past, present, and future.
First Professional Sporting Event on White House Grounds
While the White House has previously hosted recreational sports, 'UFC Freedom 250' marked the first time a professional live sporting event took place on the South Lawn. Despite initial concerns about thunderstorms, which delayed the start by approximately 30 minutes, the event proceeded smoothly.
The show commenced with President Trump and UFC president Dana White making an entrance from the White House to the Truman Balcony, overlooking the octagon. This was followed by a rendition of the national anthem as US Air Force jets flew overhead. Approximately 4,300 spectators, primarily US military personnel, attended the event, chanting "USA" in support of the American fighters.
President Trump watched the fights from octagon-side alongside White, while the United States Marine Band provided music for fighters' walkouts, which began from inside the White House. Gaethje's walkout notably started in the Oval Office, where he paused to acknowledge the moment before passing portraits of former US presidents.
Topuria, a former featherweight champion who moved up to the lightweight division, struggled to assert his typical power against Gaethje in the initial rounds. Although Topuria landed some stinging body shots in the second round, Gaethje subsequently took control. He knocked Topuria down with a powerful right hand and continued with uppercuts and knees, causing visible swelling and bleeding on his opponent's face. After a doctor's check before the fourth round, Topuria bravely continued, but his corner ultimately retired him before the final round, deeming him unable to sustain further damage.
The victory earned Gaethje, known for his exciting fighting style, his first undisputed title on his third attempt, along with a commemorative red, white, and blue belt. "I am made for this moment, this sport was made for me. I'm the most exciting guy that's ever been in this cage," he declared.
Gane Halts Pereira's Three-Division Title Bid
In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane ended Alex Pereira's quest to become the UFC's first three-division champion. Pereira, who had previously won titles at middleweight and light-heavyweight, was outclassed by Gane, who secured a second-round stoppage in their interim heavyweight title fight.
Gane, 36, effectively utilized his fluid movement against Pereira. After landing jabs and body kicks in the first round, he delivered the decisive strike. As Pereira advanced, Gane dropped the 38-year-old with a precisely timed jab. Although Pereira briefly returned to his feet, the referee stopped the contest as the Frenchman overwhelmed his dazed opponent.
This victory marked Gane's second interim heavyweight championship, achieved in his first fight since a bout against British champion Tom Aspinall in October. That previous fight was declared a no-contest due to repeated eye pokes from Gane, which rendered Aspinall unable to continue, leading to Aspinall's call for a rematch in October. "I just want to say thank you to Dana and the UFC, thank you to Pereira," Gane expressed.
Source: US star Gaethje wins at Trump's UFC White House show
