The mixed martial arts community has been abuzz following Justin Gaethje’s dominant performance and subsequent dethroning of Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250.
Entering the bout as a significant underdog, the two-time interim lightweight champion, Gaethje, defied expectations. Employing a strategic jab, “The Highlight” effectively disrupted Topuria’s rhythm and shattered the latter’s pre-fight prediction of a first-round knockout.
Topuria mounted a strong second round, landing powerful body shots that visibly affected Gaethje. Sensing an opportunity, the 29-year-old Topuria pursued a finish on the ground, seeking a TKO or submission, but Gaethje managed to weather the storm and survive.
The third round was a clear display of Gaethje’s brilliance. Guided by his coach Trevor Wittman’s masterful game plan, Gaethje’s sharp jab, precise feints, and forward pressure overwhelmed the Georgian-Spaniard. His uppercuts and jabs left Topuria’s face severely battered, impairing his vision as the round concluded.
Many observers believed the fight should have been stopped before the fourth round due to Topuria’s visible struggle to see. However, “El Matador” opted to continue.
In the fourth round, Topuria landed some effective counter-punches, but Gaethje remained the sharper fighter. He began to assert dominance, with his jab consistently finding its mark.
Entering the fifth round, Topuria was deemed unfit to continue due to the accumulated damage, and Justin Gaethje was declared the winner via TKO (corner stoppage), reclaiming the undisputed lightweight championship.
Arman Tsarukyan, Jake Paul, and Others React to Gaethje’s Victory
Arman Tsarukyan, who reportedly profited significantly from Gaethje’s win, took to X, posting: “Ilia ‘no mas’ Topuria 🤦♂️”
Commenting on the doctor’s inspection between rounds 3 and 4, Tsarukyan added: “So we’re giving extra minute to recover now lol?”
Conor McGregor commented: “Holloway flatlined Justin. Face down, out cold. It is a glorious time to be in the McGregor fight business! Aw ye!”
Jake Paul lauded the new champion and criticized Topuria: “Let’s go America 🇺🇸 Justin Gaethje is a beast Lillia such a h*e for quitting on his stool. Not even worth sparring that tiny boy”
Islam Makhachev offered his congratulations: “He who exalts himself will be humbled! There’s levels in this game! Congratulations Justin, you deserve this belt more than anyone!”
Other notable reactions poured in from the MMA world:
- Brian Ortega: “Bro!!!! Wow !!!!”
- Henry Cejudo: “What a fight by Gaethje!!! Made the fight his and took Ilia to a place he was unfamiliar with 👏 🇺🇸 #UFCWhiteHouse”
- Terrance McKinney: “Americcaaaaa americccaaaa lfg #andnew the highlight babbyyy”
- Alex Volkanovski: “Wow!! Absolutely insane ending to a crazy night…well played Dana and Trump! #ufcwhitehouse”
- Rafael dos Anjos: “Real Fighters will fight until they die. Great job by Topuria’s corner on the stoppage. @Justin_Gaethje it’s a beast!! Congrats. #UFCWhiteHouse”
- Francis Ngannou: “Never count Justin out. Congratulations champ @Justin_Gaethje 🏆 🙏🏾 ❤️ You never let me down”
- Jamahal Hill: “USA in this hoe. Congrats JG made us all eat our words!!!”
- Max Holloway: “The Highlight! Just wow.”
- Dan Ige: “I’m so happy. Couldn’t happen to a better person. Best in the world @Justin_Gaethje 🇺🇸”
- Kevin Holland: “That was entertaining asf”
- Miesha Tate: “Justin mother effin Gaethje #ufc250 #America”
- Gilbert Burns: “Wow 🤩 @Justin_Gaethje is a legend!” and “Wow 🤩 @Justin_Gaethje is freaking Rich 💰”
- Jiri Prochazka: “That fight was a beautiful story. Realy inspirational performance from both. Congratulations to Justin ⚡”
- Paulo Costa: “His hype is over” and “BIGGGGGG”
- Championship Rounds: “Alexander Volkanovski and Sean O’Malley were SHOCKED after seeing Ilia Topuria lose to Justin Gaethje”
- Jean ‘Lord’ Silva: “This is MMA, Justin is insanely tough”
- Belal Muhammad: “Justin is a monster he earned this moment”
- Ariel Helwani: “Holy smokes. JUSTIN GAETHJE DEFEATS ILIA TOPURIA. Topuria says no mas on the stool going into the 5th. WOW.”
- Giorgi Kokiashvili: “Justin Gaethje is an unbelievable fighter. He was not only better than Ilia Topuria tonight, but better than himself as well. Congrats to him! #UFCFreedom250 🇬🇪”
- Corey Anderson: “Huge statement win for the HIGHLIGHT!! LETS GO @Justin_Gaethje !!! #ufc #freedom250 #letsgo #andnew”
Instagram post from @ninamariedaniele also available.