‘Underdog’ Justin Gaethje Upsets Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to Create History at the White House

Justin Gaethje shocks the world with a demolishing performance over Ilia Topuria to finally win the lightweight belt at UFC Freedom 250.

‘Underdog’ Justin Gaethje Upsets Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to Create History at the White House

Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria (via Instagram)

The UFC White House event delivered one of the most historic nights in mixed martial arts history on a global stage. The main event featured Ilia Topuria defending his dominant rise against Justin Gaethje. However, ‘The Highlight’ shocked the world by defeating Topuria. Gaethje entered as a +400 underdog, while the Georgian-Spanish champion was heavily favored at -550, creating a major upset narrative.

Round one began with both fighters meeting in the center and trading at a fast pace. Gaethje landed early jabs and leg kicks while Topuria answered with calf kicks and heavy right hands. The fight quickly became a violent exchange with clean shots landing from both sides. ‘El Matador’ pressed forward late, while Gaethje stayed active with counters, with Topuria edging the round by a narrow margin.

Round two started with Gaethje landing a right hand before both resumed trading in the center. Topuria found success with his jab and right hand, briefly pushing his opponent backward. Gaethje tried a flying knee and kept jabbing, but Topuria countered with heavy shots that rocked him. Topuria then dropped him with body shots, took the mount, and attacked submissions while the American star defended.

Round three slowed as both fighters showed damage, with Gaethje pressing forward and Topuria responding with counters. A doctor checked Topuria for facial damage, but he was cleared to continue. Round four saw Gaethje take control with pressure, pushing Topuria back as his output dropped due to damage. The fight ended after Round 4 via corner stoppage, and a TKO win for ‘The Highlight’.

There was strong hostility between Topuria and Gaethje before the fight, with both exchanging personal shots during the buildup. The tension carried into fight week and escalated at the ceremonial faceoff, where the Spanish star shoved Gaethje during the staredown, forcing officials to step in and separate them. The incident highlighted the personal nature of the rivalry heading into the main event.

Justin Gaethje’s victory marked a major breakthrough as he captured the undisputed UFC lightweight title after nine years in the promotion. The win followed a long journey of setbacks, and near misses in title fights. Securing the belt at the White House event in front of nearly 90,000 fans added major significance. For Ilia Topuria, the defeat ended his unbeaten run and left his future in the division uncertain.

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Ilia Topuria asked for $20 million in UFC’s original plan for UFC Freedom 250 main event

Ilia Topuria has defeated elite UFC opponents in a short span of his career across multiple divisions. His rapid rise includes wins over the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. However, one major fight that has not materialized is a superfight against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. The matchup was rumored for the White House card before Dana White dismissed those claims.

Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria (via BBC)

A war of words developed between Makhachev and Topuria over a proposed superfight. The Spaniard claimed Makhachev withdrew from discussions at the last moment due to a hand injury. The Dagestani star, however, dismissed those claims and blamed Topuria’s team for rejecting the Freedom 250 fight proposal. However, Makhachev recently revealed that Topuria’s camp demanded a massive amount.

I got a call in the morning and was offered the fight. I agreed without asking for anything. They offered me the fight themselves, with a higher purse. Then the next morning they called back and said that Topuria wanted something like $20 million. He was turned down. That was the end of it.

Islam Makhachev told Adam Zubayraev

Islam Makhachev’s comments align with claims from Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa regarding financial disagreements with the UFC. Kawa revealed the fight was declined after both sides failed to agree on a financial number. This suggests the negotiations broke down over contract terms rather than competition or timing. However, the result at UFC Freedom 250 has now cast doubt on the superfight.

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