Gaethje beats Topuria to win UFC lightweight title at White House card

Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria on Sunday night to win the UFC lightweight title in the main event of “UFC Freedom 250,” staged on the South Lawn of the White House. Topuria’s corner threw in the towel before the final round after Gaethje landed a decisive right hand and followed with a sustained flurry that left Topuria badly hurt.

Organisers billed the show as the first professional sporting event hosted at the White House, staged as part of US President Donald Trump’s celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary. Gaethje trailed after Topuria edged the opening two rounds, but the momentum shifted as Gaethje began finding heavy right hands while increasing his pressure.

Topuria was checked by a doctor during the fourth round and appeared to have trouble seeing before the stoppage. Gaethje said afterward that he expected to absorb Topuria’s early work and lean on durability and pressure as the fight wore on.

The result handed Topuria the first loss of his professional career, while Gaethje added a major title to a résumé built on high-tempo striking and late-fight resilience. The UFC has not yet detailed when the lightweight belt will be defended next.

Gane wins interim heavyweight title with second-round knockout

In the co-main event, France’s Ciryl Gane stopped Brazil’s Alex Pereira with a second-round knockout to become the interim UFC heavyweight champion. Pereira had moved up to heavyweight after previously holding UFC titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, and he was seeking to become the first fighter to win championships in three divisions.

The interim belt sets up a clear decision for the promotion: whether to match Gane with the undisputed heavyweight champion or adjust plans based on the upcoming calendar. Officials have not announced any next bout for Gane following the win.

Key undercard finishes and divisional implications

Elsewhere on the card, Sean O’Malley knocked out Aiemann Zahabi, while Josh Hokit stopped Derrick Lewis with punches in the second round. Mauricio Ruffy recorded a first-round stoppage of Michael Chandler in a lightweight bout, and Bo Nickal finished Kyle Daukaus with strikes late in the first round.

In the featherweight division, Diego Lopes rallied to score a second-round knockout over Steve Garcia after an hour-long delay due to rain. The win added another notable result to an undercard that produced multiple stoppages across weight classes.

The UFC is expected to clarify next steps for Gaethje’s lightweight title reign and Gane’s interim status as it finalises its upcoming schedule.