Bonus Coverage | UFC Freedom 250

“The Highlight” accomplished his ultimate goal: the undisputed lightweight title. He had his hands full against the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who fought with the swagger and viscous precision that has become his signature. Gaethje hung tough, even when Topuria planted several punches to his midsection. By round three, Gaethje turned up the pace and found his rhythm, and it wasn’t long before Topuria’s face wore the usual damage that comes with fighting the proud American. Gaethje’s jab, uppercut out of the color tie and general pace proved too much as Topuria failed to answer the bell to start round five. 

Performance Of The Night: Ciryl Gane

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While Topuria has made a habit of crushing legends, he found his match in Gaethje. The two were measured in the first round with the veteran Gaethje finding success with his jab while Topuria worked his way into range to land heavy shots late in the opening frame. In the second round, Topuria found regular success to the body, dropping Gaethje before spending the rest of the round on top threatening submissions and dishing out ground-and-pound.

However, Topuria fatigued heavily, and Gaethje was able to find success with his right hand, stunning Topuria on several occasions. The damage on the former featherweight champion accumulating, a doctor was called into the Octagon but ultimately the fight continued as did the punishment Gaethje delivered. Even though Topuria regained his footing in the fourth round, Gaethje was a steady onslaught of violence, including a brutal knee while Topuria was getting back to his feet that shook “El Madator.” When it came time for the fifth and final round, Topuria’s corner called it a night, and Gaethje got his storybook moment at the White House.