Justin Gaethje delivered the headline moment at the White House as he defeated Ilia Topuria to claim the UFC undisputed lightweight title.
37-year-old Gaethje overcame the underdog label to stop Topuria at the end of the fourth round and become undisputed champion for the first time.
He repeatedly hurt Topuria in a physical contest, forcing the Georgian-Spaniard to retire on his stool before the fifth round, marking the first defeat of his 18-fight career.
The event, billed as UFC Freedom 250, took place on US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and formed part of celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
After the victory, which UFC commentator Joe Rogan called “one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport”, Gaethje performed his trademark backflip from the top of the cage before shaking hands with Trump.
In a post-fight interview, Gaethje linked his underdog story to American history.
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“I’m from America, 250 years ago we were way bigger than 6-1 dogs, and look at us thriving now,” said Gaethje.
“To all the current, former and future military service members, thank you so much.”
In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane ended Alex Pereira’s bid to become the UFC’s first three-division champion with a second-round stoppage in their interim heavyweight title fight.
The White House has previously hosted sporting events, but the show on the South Lawn marked the first professional combat sports event staged on the grounds.
Despite early concerns over thunderstorms in Washington DC, the event began after a short delay and continued without disruption.
The programme opened with President Trump and UFC president Dana White arriving at the White House and walking to the Truman Balcony overlooking the octagon, followed by the national anthem and a flyover by US Air Force jets.
About 4,300 spectators attended, many of them US military personnel who chanted “USA” in support of American fighters.
Trump watched cageside alongside White, while the United States Marine Band performed during fighter walkouts that began inside the White House.
Gaethje began his walkout in the Oval Office, where he paused briefly before passing portraits of former US presidents on his way to the cage.
Topuria, a former featherweight champion who moved up to win the lightweight belt, struggled to impose his usual power as both fighters traded in the opening round.
Although Topuria dropped Gaethje with body shots in the second round, the American took control thereafter. He knocked Topuria down with a right hand and followed up with uppercuts and knees as the damage accumulated.
The doctor checked Topuria before the fourth round, but he was unable to continue after his corner stopped the fight ahead of the final round.
The win gave Gaethje his first undisputed UFC title at the third attempt, earning him a commemorative red, white and blue belt.
“I am made for this moment, this sport was made for me. I’m the most exciting guy that’s ever been in this cage,” he added.
In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane’s striking efficiency proved decisive against Alex Pereira.
After landing clean shots in the opening round, Gane capitalised when Pereira stepped in, dropping him with a timed jab. The referee stopped the fight after Pereira got back to his feet but remained under pressure.
Victory made Gane a two-time interim heavyweight champion, with talk already turning to a potential rematch with Tom Aspinall.
