Ilia Topuria was punished by Justin Gaethje and dethroned at UFC Freedom 250
The attention of the medical staff was immediately focused on the state of health of Ilia Topuria due to the number of impacts absorbed.
The UFC Freedom 250 event took place on the grounds of the White House to commemorate President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. In this sporting scenario, Ilia Topuria lost his undefeated status and handed over the lightweight belt.
The main card ended by medical decision before starting the fifth regulation round.
The American Justin Gaethje landed multiple blows that diminished the physical response of the then division champion.
After the review in the corner, the team of specialists determined that Ilia Topuria would not receive authorization to continue the fight. Gaethje became the winner by technical knockout after dominating the exchange actions from the third round.
The attention of the medical staff was immediately focused on Ilia Topuria's state of health due to the number of impacts absorbed. The reports from the athletic commission will determine the length of sports suspension that the fighter will face.
The fall of Ilia Topuria reconfigures the panorama of the 155-pound category for the rest of the year. The 37-year-old new champion took advantage of his victory to send a congratulatory message to the American president from the center of the cage.
A scenario between politics and the commercial debate
Donald Trump and the president of the promotion company, Dana White, walked from the Oval Office to the octagon, called “The Claw.” The president summarized his experience to the media at the scene with the phrase: “Beyond imagination.”
Later, Trump used his Truth Social platform to add details about the organization of the evening. "The UFC at the White House last night was incredible... The White House had never looked so beautiful. The setting was unbeatable!" he wrote on his account.
The show generated debate in various sectors due to the display of sponsors such as Bud Light and Polymarket at the headquarters of the federal government. Fighter Josh Hokit also generated reactions by using his time on the microphone to express: “Michelle Obama is a man, right, America?”
The activity coincided with the announcement of a peace agreement with Iran and the Flag Day events. The organization assumed the production expenses, estimated at 60 million dollars, exempting the government administration from payments.
Additional results and attendance in Washington
In the co-main event of the night, Frenchman Ciryl Gane defeated Brazilian Álex Pereira by technical knockout. This result prevented the South American challenger from reaching the heavyweight championship and adding titles in three different divisions.
The arena facility hosted 4,000 spectators, including Mark Zuckerberg, David Ellison and Vice President JD Vance. Around the National Mall, nearly 125,000 people followed the broadcasts on giant screens.