President Donald Trump and thousands of others at the White House UFC event witnessed the bloodiest fight of the night as the main event concluded.
Gaethje Becomes Undisputed Champion
American Justin Gaethje became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion when Ilia Topuria's corner stopped the brutal bout at the end of the fourth round, according to ESPN. The White House press pool described the scene: "Topuria's face was beaten to such a bloody pulp that he was declared incapable of continuing."
MMA Mania's headline for the UFC Freedom 250 fight was even more graphic: "Justin Gaethje mutilates Ilia Topuria's blood-soaked face."
Fight Highlights and Bonuses
The designated "fight of the night" award earned Gaethje and Topuria an additional $400,000 each, plus an extra $425,000 to Gaethje for "performance of the night." Gaethje received a congratulatory handshake from Trump. A "busted up" Topuria was taken to the hospital, according to UFC President Dana White, who speculated that Topuria had a broken orbital bone.
The two fighters exchanged heavy blows early in the contest. Topuria, a Spanish-Georgian fighter, even had momentum at one point, landing significant body shots. However, the tide turned, and Gaethje's relentless assault led to the stoppage.
Topuria was taken to the hospital following the fight, while Gaethje celebrated his victory in front of the President and the White House crowd.
