In a significant upset at UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje triumphed over Ilia Topuria, seizing the undisputed lightweight championship title. The fight was a hard-fought battle from start to finish.
Gaethje made a strong start in the initial round, using a feigned takedown to set up an uppercut that opened a cut on Topuria early in the fight. Although Gaethje continued to land the uppercut, Topuria began to gain momentum in the latter half of the round, landing strikes and pressing Gaethje against the fence.
The second round saw Topuria dominate with a series of strikes aimed at Gaethje’s body. A powerful liver shot sent Gaethje to the canvas, allowing Topuria to advance to full mount and attempt an armbar. Gaethje successfully defended and survived the round, but Topuria clearly held the advantage after ten minutes.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third round when Gaethje landed a straight left followed by a powerful right hand that put Topuria down. Gaethje attempted a D’Arce choke, but Topuria managed to survive and return to his feet. From that point, Gaethje took control, consistently landing damaging right hands on the lightweight champion.
Following the third round, the cageside physician examined Topuria due to severe swelling around his eyes. Topuria indicated he was having trouble seeing but chose to continue the fight.
Despite his vision impairment, Topuria landed a significant right hand in the fourth round. However, Gaethje maintained the upper hand throughout the penultimate round. An uppercut from Gaethje appeared to daze Topuria, though replays suggested it might have been an accidental thumb to the eye. Topuria secured a takedown late in the round and gained mount, but Gaethje escaped and returned to his feet. After defending another takedown attempt, Gaethje secured top control with less than 30 seconds remaining in the round, capping it off with a brutal knee to Topuria’s body.
As Topuria returned to his corner, it was evident he was unable to continue. Topuria retired on his stool, bringing the bout to an end 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.