Gaethje shocks Topuria to win UFC lightweight title at White House event

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

American ‌Justin Gaethje has turned the tables on Ilia Topuria to claim a shock win and take the lightweight UFC crown at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the lawn of the White House.

After Topuria (17-1) edged a thrilling first two rounds on Sunday night, Gaethje (28-5) stunned the Spaniard with a crunching right hand before following it up with a brutal flurry of jabs that left his opponent’s face swollen and bloodied.

Topuria appeared to have trouble ‌seeing and was checked by a doctor before continuing through the fourth round, but his corner threw in the towel before the final round in Washington, DC.

“I cannot even believe it. … I knew I was going to have to get through the first round. His skills are unmatched when he’s fresh,” Gaethje said.

“But my durability, my tenacity and my heart were going to carry me through.”