Justin Gaethje beats Ilia Topuria in a bloody UFC Freedom 250 main event

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Justin Gaethje beats Ilia Topuria in a bloody UFC Freedom 250 main event

Ilia Topuria didn’t lack confidence ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 main event against Justin Gaethje on Sunday, June 14. Gaethje’s confidence showed during the fight.

Gaethje landed a shot of his own, directly to Topuria’s face, to win the UFC lightweight championship.

Gaethje wore Topuira down in all four rounds, leaving his face battered and swollen.

After the third round, Topuria said that he could not see with his eye, he needed to be examined by a doctor, who was ready to stop the fight.

Topuria has assured medical officials in the octagon that he is fit enough to continue fighting and compete in the fourth round. He won the round but didn’t get out for the fifth time after being cornered, causing Gaethje to win by knockout.

The historic night at the White House in Washington, DC saw more UFC history as it became the first fight card in the history of the organization to have a knockout in every fight.

Topuria had predicted that he would knock out Gaethje in the first round, but both men were aggressive in the early rounds. The first round went in Topuria’s favor, ending with several successful shots, but he was unable to close out the round with his pre-fight promise.

Before the fight, Topuria also called out his image on the package of a promotional video where he was seen walking in a black suit and holding a white rose, which was left in front of a framed picture of Gaethje. The act symbolized a memorial tribute.

Along with Gaethje’s photo was a series of other photos showing some of Topuria’s opponents during his 17-fight winning streak.

“Justin is coming to the White House. I have a special rose for him,” Topuria said.

Topuria had some bright spots during the fight, tying the longest streak (seven fights) in UFC history after landing Gaethje with a gut punch.

“I had to dig deep,” Gaethje said. “He shook my chin and smoked my liver.”

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UFC Freedom 250 takes over the White House lawn for a historic fight night

See moments from UFC Freedom 250 as action and spectacle converge on a historic stage.

Above, A screen shows US President Donald Trump walking with UFC CEO Dana White during the “UFC Freedom 250” mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, June 14, 2026.

(EVAN VUCCI, POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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