Video: Gage and Gunn Win Championship Belts at UFC 250 Near the White House
On the night of June 15, the U.S. capital hosted a unique sporting event—the UFC White House: Freedom 250 tournament, which took place right outside the White House in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The main event of the year treated spectators to two title fights, sensational knockouts, and a complete shake-up of the rankings in the lightweight and heavyweight divisions.
The spectacular evening of mixed martial arts concluded with early victories in all key bouts.
The main event of the evening in the 70-kilogram weight class ended with a massive upset for the entire fighting world.
Reigning champion Ilia Topuria was making his first title defense in the lightweight division against 37-year-old veteran Justin Gaethje.
In the opening round, the American cut his opponent’s eye, but in the second five-minute round, Topuria seized the initiative, sending Gage to the canvas with heavy body shots.
The third round proved decisive, as Gage managed to catch the champion off guard, knocking him down and turning Topuria’s face into a bloody mess.
Due to the severe bruising, the doctors barely allowed Ilya to enter the fourth round. Topuria bravely fought for another five minutes, but his corner wouldn’t let him into the final round—the fighter’s own brother threw in the white towel.
On his third career attempt, Gajdź became a full-fledged UFC champion, handing Topuria his first defeat ever.
In the second most significant bout of the evening, French heavyweight Cyril Gane shattered Alex Pereira’s dream of becoming the first UFC champion in history across three weight classes.
Gane completely controlled the fight and unleashed a brutal barrage on the Brazilian in the second round. The referee stopped the fight, calling a technical knockout.
This marks the second time in his career that the Frenchman has claimed the interim heavyweight title.
In addition to the title fights, fans witnessed five other exciting bouts, each of which ended with a spectacular finish.
In the light heavyweight division, former champion Sean O’Malley returned to the winning track, spectacularly knocking out Ayman Zahabi in the second round.
In the heavyweight division, undefeated prospect Josh Hockett caused a major upset by knocking out veteran Derrick Lewis in the second round.
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