Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Ilia Topuria on Sunday night. Chip Somodevilla / Getty ImagesJune 15, 2026 Updated 1:45 am EDTWASHINGTON — Justin Gaethje is the UFC’s American hero.Gaethje, a 37-year-old brawler known for backflipping from cages after victories, busted up Ilia Topuria on the White House lawn so badly on Sunday night that the former champion’s corner stopped him from extending the headline bout of an extraordinary spectacle.“I’m from America; 250 years ago we were way bigger than six-to-one dogs,” Gaethje said afterward, before President Donald Trump and UFC SEO Dana White entered the cage for a fireworks show to close this most unusual mixed martial arts showcase.
In one of the flashiest, bloodiest and most thrilling championship fights in UFC history, Topuria and Gaethje snatched the show on a night of spectacle at the White House.“No, no, no, we finish the fight,” Topuria was heard telling his corner after a bruising, bloody fourth round that he spent with most of his face reddened. But seconds later, referee Marc Goddard waved his hands over his head, signaling the end and sealing a wild upset.The decision to call off the fight came from one of Topuria’s coaches. The clincher for Gaethje was a crushing knee to Topuria’s midsection after a remarkable final two rounds.“It was a miracle,” one of Gaethje’s cornermen was heard yelling to his fighter before the belt was wrapped around his fighter.“I can’t believe it,” Gaethje replied.This is a developing story and will be updated.Jun 15, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
