Key facts
- Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria to become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion at UFC Freedom 250.
- The event was held on the White House South Lawn.
- The fight faced controversy regarding its timing and alleged conflicts of interest.
- A federal judge rejected a petition to stop the fight.
- Topuria retired due to injury after the fight.
- Cyril Gane won an interim heavyweight title by defeating Alex Pereira.
- Sean O'Malley knocked out Aiemann Zahabi.
Justin Gaethje became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion by defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, held on the White House South Lawn. The event, scheduled for 2026, coincided with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the US's 250th independence anniversary.
Gaethje, a significant underdog, delivered a dominant performance against the previously unbeaten Topuria. He controlled the fight with powerful strikes, leading to severe swelling around Topuria's eyes. A crushing knee to the body in the fourth round ultimately led to Topuria's corner stopping the fight before the fifth round, handing him his first professional loss.
The event faced controversy, including its timing on Flag Day and Trump's birthday, and allegations of conflicts of interest. However, a federal judge rejected a petition to halt the fight.
In other bouts, Cyril Gane claimed the interim heavyweight title for the second time by defeating Alex Pereira in the second round. Sean O'Malley knocked out Aiemann Zahabi, and rising heavyweight Josh Hokit continued his undefeated streak by stopping Derrick Lewis in the second round.