Justin Gaethje defeats Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 6:06 AM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Justin Gaethje won the lightweight title by defeating Ilia Topuria during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 15, 2026. Topuria, who entered with a perfect 17-0 record, was unable to continue after round four due to significant damage sustained during the bout. This marked a major upset as Gaethje became the new champion at 37 years old. Photos circulating online show Topuria with a severely battered face following the contest, which was part of a special event hosted by President Trump.
- •Gaethje wins the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250.
- •Topuria did not emerge for the fifth round due to injuries.
- •The match took place on the South Lawn of the White House.
- •Topuria's record falls to 17-1 after the bout.
- •Photos of Topuria's injuries are circulating after the fight.
- 6:19 PMYahoo Sports — Ilia Topuria issues first comments following brutal UFC Freedom 250 loss to Justin Gaethje on White House lawn
- 6:45 AMYahoo Sports — Humbled! UFC fighters react to Ilia Topuria’s brutal loss at UFC White House
- 6:06 AMYahoo Sports — Photos: Ilia Topuria almost unrecognizable after brutal UFC White House main event loss to Gaethje
- 6:06 AMMMA Mania — Photos: Ilia Topuria almost unrecognizable after brutal UFC White House main event loss to Gaethje - Yahoo Sports
"Justin Gaethje just shocked the world at UFC Freedom 250, granting America a perfect ending to it’s big White House celebration with a home town hero. Few had given Gaethje much of a chance coming into Sunday night. The bookies had him a +400 dog. MMA site picks almost unanimously picked Ilia Topuria to win. […]
"Sunday's White House upset marked Topuria’s first professional loss and left the pound-for-pound star nearly unrecognizable, with both eyes swollen closed and his face a battered mess.
"Ilia Topuria’s face was badly battered in that brutal bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 6:19 PMIlia Topuria issues first comments following brutal UFC Freedom 250 loss to Justin Gaethje on White House lawn
Sunday's White House upset marked Topuria’s first professional loss and left the pound-for-pound star nearly unrecognizable, with both eyes swollen closed and his face a battered mess.
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 6:45 AMHumbled! UFC fighters react to Ilia Topuria’s brutal loss at UFC White House
Justin Gaethje just shocked the world at UFC Freedom 250, granting America a perfect ending to it’s big White House celebration with a home town hero. Few had given Gaethje much of a chance coming into Sunday night. The bookies had him a +400 dog. MMA site picks almost unanimously picked Ilia Topuria to win. […]
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 6:06 AMPhotos: Ilia Topuria almost unrecognizable after brutal UFC White House main event loss to Gaethje
Ilia Topuria’s face was badly battered in that brutal bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
- MMA ManiaJun 15, 2026, 6:06 AMPhotos: Ilia Topuria almost unrecognizable after brutal UFC White House main event loss to Gaethje - Yahoo Sports
Ilia Topuria’s face was badly battered in that brutal bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
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