Gaethje Stuns Topuria To Win UFC Lightweight Title
On a historic night at the footsteps of the White House, Justin Gaethje pulled off the ultimate American upset, despite being cast as a more than 6-to-1 underdog, by brutally stopping Ilia Topuria to capture the lightweight title on the South Lawn in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 in Washington.
Gaethje’s feat, considering the circumstances, is among the biggest upsets in UFC history.
After a career littered with wars of attrition, the 37-year-old American was widely believed to be past his peak in January heading into an interim title bout against Paddy Pimblett.
But Gaethje shined in that moment, and then did so in an even louder way Sunday, upsetting one of the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
After a brutal back-and-forth battle that left Topuria’s face bloodied and badly swollen, the now-former champ’s corner called an end to the contest between Rounds 4 and 5.
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“Hey, I’m from America. Two hundred and fifty years ago we were way bigger than 6-to-1 dogs, and look at us thriving now,” an elated Gaethje shouted in victory.
“I know that was absolutely legendary, because I cannot believe it. Wow.”
As the most high-profile American on a card designed to ostensibly celebrate the 250th birthday of the country, Gaethje (28-5) carried a star-spangled weight on his shoulders heading into Sunday night.
But within the bout’s opening minutes, it was clear he had a game plan that could potentially topple one of the sport’s most dangerous talents.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump has strongly denied claims that he privately contacted UFC commentator Daniel Cormier before UFC Freedom 250.
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The controversy began when a screenshot appeared online showing an alleged conversation between Trump and Cormier.
The messages suggested that Trump had asked whether any fighters were injured and whether any bouts on the White House card would be fixed.
Eric Trump responded publicly after the screenshots gained attention online. The son of the US President stated that he had never contacted Daniel Cormier and described the images as entirely fabricated.