Ilia Topuria was transported to a local hospital in Washington DC after suffering the first loss of his professional career as Justin Gaethje stopped him to claim the UFC undisputed lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250.
Gaethje produced a major upset in the White House main event, overcoming underdog status to defeat the previously unbeaten two-division champ Topuria. The event, staged as part of celebrations marking 250 years of American independence and held on Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, ended with Topuria retiring on his stool before the fifth round after absorbing significant damage.
Providing an update on the former champion’s condition, UFC CEO Dana White said Topuria was taken for immediate medical treatment. “We literally had him get out of the octagon before the hand was even raised and sent him to the hospital,” said White in the post-fight press conference. “Ilia’s in the hospital. He’s busted up. I’m not a doctor but his eye looked like he probably has a broken orbital. I don’t know that. That’s not a fact. I’m just assuming.”
White said his focus remains on Topuria’s recovery following the defeat. “My plans are for him to go home and rest and recover. Take his time and tonight was a rough night for him,” said White. “I just want to make sure he’s healthy and good and not even thinking about him fighting again. I just want him to go home and relax and rest and heal.”
Topuria started strongly and came close to finishing Gaethje in the second round, but the momentum shifted as the challenger repeatedly hurt him with strikes. With severe swelling around his eyes, Topuria was examined by the cageside physician after the third round before continuing. Gaethje continued to apply pressure and landed a damaging knee to the body late in the fourth round before Topuria’s corner ended the contest.
After securing victory, Gaethje celebrated with his trademark backflip from the top of the cage before greeting Trump. In his post-fight interview, Gaethje referenced both his underdog status and the occasion. “I’m from America, 250 years ago we were way bigger than 6-1 dogs, and look at us thriving now,” said Gaethje. “To all the current, former and future military service members, thank you so much.”
The defeat ended Topuria’s unbeaten 18-fight run and leaves questions over how long he will require to recover before returning to competition. Elsewhere on the card, Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira in the second round of their interim heavyweight title bout, ending Pereira’s bid to become the UFC’s first three-division champion.
