Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje went to war in the UFC Freedom 250 headliner at the White House to unify the lightweight titles.
Gaethje defeated Topuria via technical knockout to be crowned the undisputed lightweight champion. He ended Topuria’s 17-fight unbeaten streak with a masterful performance.
Topuria looked like a shadow of himself throughout the bout. His trademark head movement was missing, he fought flat-footed, and he appeared to burn through his gas tank early while chasing a quick finish.
Gaethje was finding his jab from the opening bell. He initiated clinches and transitioned to uppercuts that damaged Topuria’s right eye early in the opening round, compromising his vision. In the second round, Topuria backed ‘The Highlight’ up against the cage and hurt him with a liver shot that dropped him to the canvas.
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However, the 29-year-old failed to capitalize on the moment. Instead of looking to finish with ground-and-pound, he initiated grappling exchanges, allowing Gaethje to survive the danger.
Justin Gaethje breaks Ilia Topuria in career-altering war
Round 3 turned out to be the worst round of Ilia Topuria’s mixed martial arts career. By that stage, Topuria was already battered and exhausted. Justin Gaethje connected with a sharp one-two that nearly ended the Spaniard’s night. Both of Topuria’s eyes were nearly swollen shut by the end of this round.
After the third round, Topuria informed his corner that his vision was compromised, prompting the doctor to assess his condition. The moment sparked controversy, as the doctor appeared to indicate that Topuria could not continue, only for referee Mark Goddard to allow the fight to continue after protests from ‘El Matador.’
The stoppage check also gave Topuria extra recovery time at a point when he was already visibly struggling with his cardio.
Topuria fought a better fourth round, but was hurt by a devastating knee to the body right on the bell. He looked completely defeated as he made his way back to the corner. After four rounds of brutality, the referee waved off the bout after the red corner indicated that their fighter was in no condition to continue.
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Gaethje produced one of the biggest upsets in UFC history on the grandest stage possible. His experience, will, and durability helped him survive the chaotic moments and take control when it mattered most.
Ilia Topuria was served humble pie on the night. It remains to be seen what adjustments he makes to his game plan and mentality moving forward, and how he bounces back from this major setback.
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