US star Gaethje wins at Trump's UFC White House show

Gaethje received congratulations from President Trump following the event

Published 6 hours ago

Justin Gaethje delivered the ideal conclusion for American fans at the White House by stunning Ilia Topuria to claim the UFC undisputed lightweight championship.

The 37-year-old American cast aside his underdog status by halting Topuria at the close of the fourth round, securing his first undisputed title.

Gaethje inflicted significant damage on Topuria multiple times during a fierce contest, leading the Georgian-Spaniard to retire on his stool before the fifth round, marking the first loss in his 18-fight career.

The unique event, titled UFC Freedom 250, took place on US President Donald Trump's 80th birthday as part of festivities commemorating 250 years of American independence.

Following his victory—which UFC commentator Joe Rogan described as "one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport"—Gaethje performed his trademark backflip off the top of the cage before shaking hands with Trump.

During an impassioned post-fight interview, Gaethje likened his underdog role to Americans who once fought for their nation's independence.

"I'm from America, 250 years ago we were way bigger than 6-1 dogs, and look at us thriving now," Gaethje stated.

"To all the current, former and future military service members, thank you so much."

In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane dashed Alex Pereira's aspirations of becoming the UFC's first three-division champion by securing a second-round stoppage in their interim heavyweight title bout.

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Gaethje secures long-awaited title

The event was staged to celebrate 250 years of American independence

The White House has previously hosted recreational sports and events, but the show on the South Lawn represented the first professional live sporting event to be held on the premises.

Concerns about thunderstorms in Washington DC potentially causing delays arose in the lead-up, and while rain postponed the start by roughly half an hour, the event proceeded smoothly thereafter.

The show commenced with President Trump and a beaming UFC president Dana White walking through the White House to the Truman Balcony overlooking the octagon, followed by a rendition of the national anthem as US Air Force jets flew overhead.

Approximately 4,300 people attended the event on the South Lawn, with the majority being US military members, who chanted "USA" in support of the American fighters on the card.

Trump watched the event octagon-side alongside White, while the United States Marine Band serenaded fighters during their walkouts, which began from inside the White House.

Gaethje started his walkout in the Oval Office, where he paused to absorb the moment, before walking past portraits of former US presidents.

Topuria, a former featherweight champion who moved up to claim the lightweight belt, struggled to impose the power he had demonstrated in earlier bouts as Gaethje exchanged strikes in the first round.

Although Topuria dropped Gaethje with several stinging body shots in the second round, the American seized control from that point onward, to the delight of fans at octagon-side and 85,000 watching in the nearby Ellipse park.

He knocked Topuria down with a massive right hand and continued to punish him with uppercuts and knees, causing his opponent's bloodied face to begin swelling.

The doctor was summoned to examine Topuria before the fourth round, and while he bravely continued, his corner retired him before the final round as the 29-year-old could no longer absorb further damage.

The victory means Gaethje, regarded as one of the most thrilling fighters in UFC history, secured his first undisputed title on his third attempt and was presented with a commemorative red, white, and blue belt.

"I was made for this moment, this sport was made for me. I'm the most exciting guy that's ever been in this cage," he added.

Justin Gaethje has won 28 of his 33 professional fights

Gane ends Pereira's three-belt dream

After capturing titles at middleweight and light-heavyweight, Pereira aimed to make UFC history with a championship in a third division but was outclassed by Gane.

Gane, 36, has navigated numerous fights throughout his career with his fluid movement, and it once again paid off against Pereira.

After hurting the Brazilian with jabs and body kicks in the first round before evading danger, Gane landed the decisive blow.

As Pereira stepped forward, Gane dropped the 38-year-old with a perfectly timed jab, and although he returned to his feet, the referee halted the contest as the Frenchman overwhelmed his dazed opponent.

The victory made Gane a two-time interim heavyweight champion in his first fight since a bout against British champion Tom Aspinall in October.

That fight was ruled a no contest due to repeated eye pokes from Gane that left Aspinall unable to continue, and he called for a rematch in October.

"I just want to say thank you to Dana and the UFC, thank you to Pereira," said Gane.