Gaethje stops Topuria at Trump’s UFC White House event
6 reported
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria by fourth-round stoppage at UFC Freedom 250, a live event held on the South Lawn of the White House as part of celebrations for President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and 250 years of American independence. Gaethje, 37, hurt Topuria multiple times before the Georgian-Spaniard retired on his stool before the fifth round, marking the first loss of Topuria's 18-fight career. The event, billed as the first professional live sporting show on White House grounds, drew about 4,300 spectators, mostly US military members. In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira in the second round of their interim heavyweight title fight, ending Pereira's bid to become the UFC's first three-division champion.
What’s reported
Justin Gaethje stopped Ilia Topuria at the end of the fourth round to win the UFC undisputed lightweight title.
The event took place on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday as part of 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence.
About 4,300 people watched on the South Lawn, most of whom were members of the US military.
Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira by second-round stoppage in the interim heavyweight co-main event.
Gaethje's victory was called "one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport" by UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
Topuria suffered the first defeat of his 18-fight career.
Key figures
Justin Gaethje, American UFC fighter
Ilia Topuria, Georgian-Spanish UFC fighter
Donald Trump, US President
Dana White, UFC president
Joe Rogan, UFC commentator
Ciryl Gane, French UFC fighter
Alex Pereira, Brazilian UFC fighter
Sources: BBC News
