Justin Gaethje achieved a monumental upset at UFC Freedom 250, overcoming Ilia Topuria in a captivating and hard-fought battle to seize the undisputed lightweight title.
In the opening round, Gaethje found early success, feigning a takedown before landing a sharp uppercut that caused an immediate cut on the defending champion. While Gaethje continued to land the uppercut, Topuria, nicknamed ‘El Matador,’ began to assert dominance in the latter half of the round, skillfully piecing together strikes and applying pressure against the cage.
This momentum carried into the second round, where Topuria unleashed a barrage of body shots, including a significant liver strike that sent Gaethje to the canvas. Topuria capitalized by moving to full mount and attempting an armbar. Gaethje managed to defend and survive the round, but the momentum undeniably shifted in Topuria’s favor after the initial ten minutes.
The tide began to turn in the third round when Gaethje landed a straight left followed by a powerful right hand that knocked Topuria down. Gaethje attempted a d’arce choke, but Topuria endured and managed to return to his feet. From this point on, Gaethje took control, relentlessly punishing the lightweight champion with a series of impactful right hands.
Following the third round, the ringside physician examined Topuria’s eyes, which were severely swollen. Topuria reportedly indicated he couldn’t see, but he ultimately decided to continue the fight.
Despite his vision issues, Topuria landed a significant right hand on Gaethje midway through the fourth round. However, Gaethje maintained the upper hand throughout the penultimate round.
Gaethje landed an uppercut that staggered Topuria, though replays later suggested it may have been an accidental thumb to the eye. Topuria secured a late takedown in the round and achieved mount over Gaethje, but ‘The Highlight’ scrambled back to his feet. Topuria attempted another takedown, but Gaethje defended effectively, securing top control with less than 30 seconds remaining in the round.
A powerful knee to Topuria’s body concluded what was a relatively dominant round for Gaethje.
As Topuria made his way to his corner, it was evident that ‘El Matador’ was unable to continue. Topuria retired on his stool, ending the bout and crowning Justin Gaethje the undisputed UFC lightweight world champion for the first time in his career.
Official Result: Justin Gaethje def. Ilia Topuria via TKO (retirement) at 5:00 of Round 4 to win the undisputed UFC lightweight world championship.