Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Ilia Topuria Justin Gaethje headlines took over UFC Freedom 250 after Gaethje stunned the former undefeated lightweight champion with a brutal stoppage in Washington, D.C.

Topuria’s corner threw in the towel between the fourth and fifth rounds after repeated damage from Gaethje, ending the Georgian-Spanish fighter’s unbeaten record and his title reign.

The result followed a heated build-up covered in UFC White House 2026: Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje Feud Turns Personal Before UFC Freedom 250, with fight fans again seeing how quickly championship careers can shift.

Gaethje Breaks Down Topuria

Gaethje entered as the heavy underdog but took control through pressure, clean punching and sustained damage across four rounds.

Topuria, known as "El Matador," absorbed repeated shots before his team stopped the bout after the fourth round.

The main event took place on the White House lawn, with Donald Trump and White House personnel in attendance.

Topuria’s brother, who was part of his corner, urged him to continue, but the fight was stopped after the visible damage became too severe.

White Gives Injury Update

After the fight, UFC CEO and President Dana White said Topuria had been taken to hospital.

"Ilya's in the hospital. He's busted up," said White. "I'm not a doctor, but his eye looked like he probably has a broken orbital."

White said Topuria should focus on recovery before any return to the cage.

"My plans for him are to go home and rest and recover and take his time. Tonight was a rough night for him."

The defeat leaves Gaethje with one of the biggest wins of his career, while Topuria faces a medical recovery and the first loss of his professional record.