Justin Gaethje ended a career-long wait for undisputed lightweight gold with a stunning victory over Ilia Topuria at the UFC's extraordinary fight card held at the White House. The 37-year-old American, a heavy underdog, delivered a bludgeoning performance against the previously undefeated Georgian-Spaniard in front of US President Donald Trump.
Topuria's corner threw in the towel after the fourth round, following concerns over his vision. The Spaniard was subsequently rushed to hospital, with UFC president Dana White fearing a broken orbital bone. The bout saw no fight go the distance, with six straight knockouts across the card.
In other results, Ciryl Gane pulled off a huge upset by knocking out Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title, derailing Pereira's bid for glory in a third division. Sean O'Malley defeated Canada's Aiemann Zahabi, while controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit called Michelle Obama a “man” after stopping Derrick Lewis.
Eric Trump, the president's son, forcefully denied online allegations that he sought insider information about the event, dismissing screenshots as fabricated by artificial intelligence. The spectacle unfolded on the South Lawn of the White House on the president's 80th birthday, temporarily delayed by bad weather.
