Topuria Gets Humbled by the American, Justin Gaethje, at Freedom 250

By Eddie Sanchez

Justin Gaethje dethroned former two-division champion Ilia Topuria to claim the lightweight championship in a historic upset. Gaethje, a former two-time interim champion, had never claimed undisputed gold inside the Octagon, but that changed Sunday night in a front-runner for fight of the year.

The American underdog shocked the world by forcing lightweight champion Ilia Topuria to retire on the stool at UFC Freedom 250. A result that no one expected, but was surely welcome by the UFC, the White House, and American Fans that tuned in to celebrate the 250th year of America (ahead of July 4th), and the President’s 80th birthday.

Topuria fought an interesting style, one that played well into Gaethje’s strengths, and his face paid the price. He left a physically and emotionally beaten man, and he will have his work cut out for him going forward.

Gaethje, now a true champion, may put his retirement talks on hold. Conor McGregor takes on Max Holloway next month in his comeback fight, and Gaethje would likely welcome the opportunity to fight either man. McGregor is the sport’s cash cow (still), and Holloway previously defeated Gaethje to win the BMF title.

With the future looking bright, Gaethje can now live forever as a UFC Lightweight Champion.