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Join 411’s Live UFC Freedom 250 Coverage

June 14, 2026 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (8 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
(c) Ilia Topuria (155 lbs.) vs. (ic) Justin Gaethje (155 lbs.) – for lightweight title
Alex Pereira (251 lbs.) vs. #1 Ciryl Gane (248 lbs.) – for interim heavyweight title
#3 Sean O’Malley (135.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Aiemann Zahabi (135 lbs.)
#5 Josh Hokit (231 lbs.) vs. #9 Derrick Lewis (265 lbs.)
#9 Mauricio Ruffy (155 lbs.) vs. #13 Michael Chandler (156 lbs.)
Bo Nickal (186 lbs.) vs. Kyle Daukaus (186 lbs.)
#2 Diego Lopes (146 lbs.) vs. #9 Steve Garcia (146 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Freedom 250, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. Well we’ve reached a fairly singular moment for the UFC here, an event on the White House lawn of all places. The UFC generally eschews all things visually interesting, anything like pageantry or presentation, and frankly fun at this point so this will be a wild change of pace from the zombified machinery turning over that we’ve got for the last half year. A lot of digital space and air time has been devoted to this card, almost none of it related to the actual fights though as political media would rather wax philosophical about what it all means and UFC president Dana White is happy to soak up attention and ignore actually promoting the fights. But since the fights are why we’re all here I’m happy to discuss them. This is a short but punchy card so let’s have a look. The main event is for the lightweight title as Ilia Topuria defends against interim champion Justin Gaethje. Both men are hard punchers and all around solid finishers with a penchant for violence, and while Gaethje is not the second best lightweight in the world once he won an interim title this became inevitable even though we all know Arman Tsarukyan should be fighting for the belt. The co-main event has intrigue as well as former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira moves up to heavyweight to challenge former interim champion and multiple time title challenger Ciryl Gane for yet another interim title. There might be an asterisk in play with Pereira but if he wins he’ll be the first person in UFC history to hold titles in 3 weight classes. Sean O’Malley is looking to get another title shot if he beats Aiemann Zahabi, Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis will likely have sloppy heavyweight fun as well. Maruirio Ruffy will probably kill Michael Chandler, and opening things is a relevant featherweight fight between Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia. Now let’s just hope the action delivers because on paper this is a really strong 7 fights.

UFC Freedom 250 comes to the world from the south lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, USA. On commentary we’ve got Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier while Bruce Buffer does the announcing with Megan Olivi as our roving reporter. We’re on federal land so the usual athletic commission for DC isn’t in play here, I imagine the UFC will just be using the most recent rules so 12-6 elbows will be good and the new definition of a downed fighter. If that’s inaccurate I’ll be sure to update things. We are in the larger 30 foot cage as well.

OK, we’ve got a little delay apparently. The broadcast will still start at 8pm EST as indicated but we might be looking at 9pm EST for the first fight. Vamping. . . hooray.

OK, we get the event underway at about 8:30 pm, with US President Donald Trump and UFC president Dana White walking out of the Oval Office and down to the cageside area. We then get a national anthem rendition. There’s also a Super Delta formation flyover, which is always pretty cool.

Diego Lopes has been a fixture of the top of the featherweight division for a little bit now but he’s also twice failed to take the title from Alexander Volkanovski and while a win here doesn’t guarantee him a third crack at the gold a loss would be a pretty serious set back for him. Steve Garcia is on a seven fight winning streak and has been steadily showcasing his skills, now he’s getting a pretty serious step up in class but a win would be the biggest of his career. The odds respect the matchmaking here, -150 on Lopes to +120 for Garcia.

Featherweight Bout: #2 Diego Lopes (27-8, 146 lbs.) vs. #9 Steve Garcia (19-5, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garcia is an inch taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Garcia, and they touch gloves to get things going. The fight kits aren’t really interesting in general but worth noting that we’ve got different colored gloves, which the UFC generally doesn’t do. Combination from Garcia then a front kick. Lopes lands a right hand. Garcia avoids a takedown, Lopes just reached for the leg so it wasn’t fully committed. Right hook from Garcia then an oblique kick. Lopes avoids a left hand. Body kick from Lopes. Garcia blocks a few punches, then Lopes avoids a few of his own. They trade front kicks. Bit of a right hook from Garcia. Lopes keeps showing kicks but they’re mostly well scouted by Garcia and aren’t landing. Right hook from Garcia but Lopes responds with a chopping elbow. Bit of a left hand from Garcia. Both men land lefts. Partially checked inside calf kick from Lopes. Left to the body from Garcia, Lopes didn’t like that one but is hiding that fact well. Counter right from Lopes, then Garcia lands a calf kick. A lot of forward pressure from Garcia, he falls a little short with punches then fires a head kick. Left hand from Garcia. Lopes avoids a poor wheel kick and that basically ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia

ROUND TWO: Another touch of gloves. Garcia gets back to jabbing and moving forward. A few jabs land for Garcia then Lopes misses a high kick. Both men avoid punches then Garcia lands a left hand. Lopes lands a jab. Stiff jab from Garcia. Oblique kicks from Garcia land. Right hook from Garcia, he’s fighting really well thus far. Garcia lands a calf kick then a left hand which stuns Lopes for a second. Some more jabs from Garcia, then Lopes partially lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close, then Garcia lands a stiff one two. Left hook from Lopes hurts Garcia, they brawl and Garcia drops then Lopes gets on top and pounds him into unconsciousness.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Diego Lopes via KO, punches, at 2:42 of Round 2

Mic time for Lopes and the translator after that, he says this is an unbelievable moment and hopes the people enjoyed the fight. He knew the first round was tough but in the second round he started putting combinations together and feels no one at featherweight can beat him. 10 rounds with Volk would vehemently disagree with that sentiment. He talks us through the finish then says he’s willing to step into the main event if necessary. He did weigh in for that role yesterday, yes he did in fact weigh in twice.

Bo Nickal had a very decorated amateur wrestling career and has gone 5-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a devastating head kick knockout win late last year and he’s looking to get another winning streak up and running. Kyle Daukaus has gone 2-0 since returning to the UFC last year, he’s looking for probably the biggest win of his career if he can upset Nickal. Nickal is a pretty heavy favorite at -335 to a +250 comeback on Daukaus.

Middleweight Bout: Bo Nickal (8-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Kyle Daukaus (17-4 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Daukaus is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Both men fight southpaw and they touch gloves to get things going. A little feinting from both men. Nickal switches stance, ducks a punch, and hits a bit of a slam single leg takedown into full guard. Some short body punches from Nickal, then a couple of elbows as Daukaus tries to get his guard working. Daukaus is cut from those elbows, not bad but there’s some blood above the left eyebrow. That cut isn’t in a bad spot or deep, for what that’s worth. A bit more methodical ground strikes from Nickal, Daukaus is mostly controlling posture thus far and not offering offense or get up attempts. Daukaus goes to a body triangle, that’s an odd choice. Nickal is trying to pass but his passing game isn’t great so he gets posture and lands a couple of elbows. Things scoot to the fence and the ref stands them up, that was fair overall though commentary disagrees. Nickal misses a few punches. They split jabs. Calf kick from Daukaus. Front kick up high from Nickal then a left hand and right hook drop Daukaus, and a few more follow up elbows on the mat get the ref to step in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bo Nickal via TKO, punches and elbows, at 4:34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Nickal for his work. Nickal gets some mic time, he feels amazing and thanks the President and the UFC brass. He talks us through the finish and warns that he’s still getting better. He thanks God and is trying to be grateful in his life going forward.

Oh, former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world Tyson Fury is here getting a walk out. That’s. . . look I like Fury and respect his career but I don’t need to watch him walk down to watch MMA fights and talk with Jon Anik. Fury apparently has a big announcement along with Dana White, likely related to making him vs. Anthony Joshua at the end of the year. So he’s pretty much signing with Zuffa boxing, got it.

Mauricio Ruffy has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a really impressive stoppage win against Rafael Fiziev. Now Ruffy is trying to build another winning streak and defend his ranking. Michael Chandler has been around the sport for a while and has had some truly incredible fights, but he’s getting up there in age and is just 1-5 in his last six fights. Chandler is likely looking at winding things down, but a win at this event would be a heck of a memory as he nears the end of his fighting career. Ruffy is the biggest favorite on the card at -500 to Chandler’s +385.

Lightweight Bout: #9 Mauricio Ruffy (13-2, 155 lbs.) vs. #13 Michael Chandler (23-10, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ruffy is three inches taller, has three and a half inches of reach advantage, and is 11 years younger. Some feinting from Chandler early as he circles. Bit of a calf kick from Chandler. Ruffy is moving well and avoids a weird takedown attempt. Chandler keeps moving forward but Ruffy avoids a tie up. Bit of a jab from Ruffy. Calf kick from Ruffy. Stiff jab from Ruffy. Chandler avoids a right hand but he needs to get his offense going. Another calf kick from Ruffy. Some stance switching from Ruffy now but he’s mostly orthodox. Spinning back kick from Ruffy partially lands. Chandler tries a superman punch which partially lands but Ruffy tags him a couple of times in response. Another stuff jab from Ruffy, the size disparity is really working in his favor. Hard right hand from Ruffy against the fence. Chandler is circling again but Ruffy is starting to stalk him and lands a wheel kick that wobbles Chandler for a second. Chandler tries a takedown, Ruffy defends then drops him with an uppercut but Chandler bounces up. Hard left to the body from Ruffy then an uppercut, he’s got Chandler in trouble now. Ruffy sprawls away from a takedown and gets back to stalking with power punches. Another wheel kick from Ruffy then a left hand, a follow up right uppercut on the mat gets the ref to step in and end this.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mauricio Ruffy via KO, wheel kick and punches, at 4:29 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ruffy for his work. Mic time for Ruffy and the translator, he opens in English and thanks God first then his family and puts over the UFC brass and the event overall. He quotes the Bible and tells people to give their lives to Jesus. That’s all of his English apparently and he’s back to Portuguese to talk us through the finish and put over his coaches. Asked about the future he wants to be the champion and wants the next title shot, that seems unlikely, but then asks his girlfriend to marry him. She’s in the audience and apparently accepts, so that’s cool.

Josh Hokit is undefeated including being 3-0 in the UFC and most recently had wild fight with Curtis Blaydes that will likely feature in the Fight of the Year Discussion. Hokit is on a pretty quick turnaround from that bout to this one, but another high profile win would put him closer to the title picture. Derrick Lewis is coming off of a loss but he’s a fan favorite and that’s enough to get him a spot here. Lewis is trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2023 and then likely do something very silly like throw his athletic cup through a window on the White House. Hokit is the -435 favorite while a Lewis win pays out at +320.

Heavyweight Bout: #5 Josh Hokit (9-0, 231 lbs.) vs. #9 Derrick Lewis (29-13 1 NC, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lewis is two inches taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 13 years older and about 30 pounds heavier. The size difference is real as they start moving around. Front kick from Hokit. A few range finding kicks from Hokit, he’s probably going to try and wear down Lewis with pace and activity. Hokit misses a wheel kick then lands a front kick. Oblique kicks from Hokit and then he slips on another wheel kick. Very patient approach from Lewis, he doesn’t want to waste energy it seems. Another front kick from Hokit lands. Lewis misses a few punches. Right hand from Hokit, Lewis just eats it. Hokit falls short on a few punches. Takedown from Hokit, he starts landing punches from top position pretty quickly. Lewis gets full guard but has no posture control so Hokit is happy to stand and punch down at him. Hokit passes to side control and lands a few more punches. Lewis works to get on a hip but Hokit punches him back down then lands an elbow. Wall walk is started by Lewis but Hokit easily yanks him back into space by a leg and keeps punching him. Lewis is cut open as Hokit moves to stand in technically full mount and land more punches. More punches from Hokit from full mount now, Lewis is struggling to get up. Lewis gets to his knees but Hokit drags him back down and keeps hitting him. Armbar from Hokit, that’s in but his finishing mechanics leave a lot to be desired, he should have this by now but he’s not great at finishing it. Lewis just hangs out because Hokit has no clue how to actually finish this as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Hokit

ROUND TWO: Both men joust with jabs to start the round. Hokit is just able to out quick and out work Lewis. Lewis misses a head kick. Left hand from Hokit then a single leg, he can’t finish this one though. Right hand from Hokit but Lewis lands a knee in close. Lunging right from Hokit into a clinch, then he shoves Lewis away who staggers but stays upright. Combination from Hokit and he avoids the counters, the man has some fight IQ tonight? Hard punches from Hokit, he’s got Lewis on the fence but isn’t going crazy. Lewis misses a right hand and eats several counters. They move to the fence and Hokit lands in close. Right hand from Hokit staggers Lewis, he’s landing that punch at will and Lewis has no defense. Lewis misses a few wild punches, Hokit is just playing with him because he’s got all the time in the world. Hokit pushes into a clinch on the fence and lands knees and elbows. Uppercuts from Hokit, some nice dirty boxing overall in here. They break but Lewis is dead tired. Hokit with punches, then body shots to paralyze Lewis, Hokit punches him over and a few more strikes on the mat get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Josh Hokit via TKO, punches, at 4:09 of Round 2

Mic time for Hokit after that demolition job, he does the rhyming thing then bails on it to put over Trump then thank God. He calls out Alex Pereira then calls Michelle Obama a man. OK then.

Sean O’Malley is a former bantamweight champion but lost twice to Merab Dvalishvili and only recently broke that two fight losing streak with a somewhat controversial win over Song Yadong. O’Malley is trying to get another crack at the title now that Petr Yan has it and O’Malley has a highly controversial win over him from 2022. Aiemann Zahabi is on a seven fight winning streak including a win over Jose Aldo, now he’s taking on another former champion and a win would move him very close to the title picture. O’Malley is a serious favorite at -480 to Zahabi’s +350.

Bantamweight Bout: #3 Sean O’Malley (19-3 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Aiemann Zahabi (14-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: O’Malley is three inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years younger. O’Malley opens southpaw but will switch a lot, as will Zahabi. Lots of early circling from both men. O’Malley misses a right to the body. Bit of an inside leg kick from Zahabi. Zahabi blocks a few punches. Right to the body from O’Malley. A few jabs from Zahabi then he avoids a counter right. Right to the body from O’Malley. O’Malley with that right to the body again, this time Zahabi counters with an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Zahabi. Left hand from Zahabi. O’Malley hits the body again but Zahabi counters with two inside leg kicks, he’s starting to get the counter game going off of that right to the body. Left to the body from O’Malley. Zahabi avoids a few rights but O’Malley lands a left hand. O’Malley has a couple of punches blocked to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Malley

ROUND TWO: A couple early inside leg kicks from Zahabi land. O’Malley shows the jab but eats a right hand. Calf kick from Zahabi. Double jab then a left hand from O’Malley, mostly blocked but he’s being more active this round. Zahabi lands another inside leg kick but his nose is bleeding. Another inside leg kick from Zahabi. O’Malley with a couple more jabs but that inside leg kick from Zahabi is landing consistently now. Counter left from O’Malley. Calf kick from Zahabi. Right hand from O’Malley in close. O’Malley misses a wheel kick. Again Zahabi lands a leg kick, this time to the back leg. O’Malley with a combination but he takes several leg kicks in response. Another calf kick from Zahabi, those are starting to add up a bit now. Jab from O’Malley. One two from O’Malley mostly lands. Zahabi lands another inside leg kick. O’Malley has a few punches blocked. Zahabi needs to do something off of that leg kick or use the set up for something else. O’Malley lands a right hand. Hard left from O’Malley drops Zahabi, Zahabi up but O’Malley punches him back down and out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sean O’Malley via KO, punches, at 4:02 of Round 2

O’Malley gets an interview, he says manifesting is real and he’s seen this before. He talks us through the finish and says the leg kicks didn’t do a whole lot. Asked about the future he wants a rematch with Petr Yan and to fight for the title. To close he sends love to the fans over in The Ellipse watching remotely.

Alex Pereira is a former middleweight and a two time light heavyweight champion, he never defended the middleweight title but did have three title defenses at light heavyweight and regained that title after losing it. Pereira is trying for history here as despite this being an interim title fight he would become the first person to hold UFC gold in three different weight classes. Ciryl Gane is a former interim heavyweight champion but has failed consistently to claim the real title, he lost a close decision to Francis Ngannou, turned in a truly pathetic display in getting run over by Jon Jones, then most recently was fighting well against Tom Aspinall before poking Aspinall in the eye resulting in a No Contest. Heavyweight might be a fairly lackluster division overall but even with that in mind Gane’s chances at the title level have to be running short and another loss here might end them for the foreseeable future. We’ve got a pick ’em here, -110 each way.

Interim Heavyweight Title Bout: Alex Pereira (13-3, 251 lbs.) vs. #1 Ciryl Gane (13-2 1 NC, 248 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Gane has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Gane and they touch gloves. Gane shows the jab early. Pereira fires a head kick that’s blocked. They trade inside leg kick, Gane mostly checked the one from Pereira though. Bit of a head kick from Pereira, then Gane lands an inside leg kick. Jab from Gane. Calf kick from Pereira. Inside leg kick from Gane then a bit of a jab. Another jab from Gane. Gane just keeps chipping away with the jab and inside leg kick so far. Pereira fights off a knee tap attempt. Front kick from Gane, then a bit of a jab but he misses a left hand. Pereira lands a calf kick but Gane cracks him with a right hook then a left hand. Pereira just ate those punches but they landed clean. Gane with a few more jabs while moving around. Gane has started switching his stance a bit but is mostly southpaw still. Looping left hand from Gane lands. Pereira lands a calf kick, Gane returns it. Gane avoids a head kick and lands a body kick. Left hand from Gane, his hand speed is bothering Pereira just a bit. Pereira avoids another knee tap feint then lands an inside leg kick. Gane with a calf kick then a jab. Pereira lands a right hand that’ll close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gane

ROUND TWO: Both men show lead hand work as the round starts then Gane lands a side kick to the knee. Inside leg kick from Gane. Pereira fires a head kick, it’s quick but he’s not landing it. Bit of a lunging right from Gane. Pereira walks into a right hand, he’s hurt and Gane unloads with hammer fists and elbows, but Pereira miraculously fights upright. Gane with a right hand and front kick, Pereira is still hurt. Elbow from Gane then a left hand. Hard punches from Gane against the fence, then an uppercut. Hard punches from Gane and Pereira wobbles then almost falls against the fence and the ref finally steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and NEW UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane via TKO, punches, at 1:27 of Round 2

Mic time for Gane after that impressive performance, he puts over his team for all of their work and is proud of what they’ve accomplished together. He sends love to his family, team, and knew this was always possible. He talks us through the finish and knew his movement and technique were going to be key but his mentality was critical here. Asked about the future he thanks the UFC, Pereira, and wants another fight with Tom Aspinall in Paris in September.

Pereira and the translator get an interview as well, he knew this was a risk but risk is why he’s had all his success. Asked about the future he wants to talk it over with his team and figure out the best move.

Justin Gaethje is a two time interim lightweight champion and has fought twice for the lightweight title. Unfortunately for him he ran into Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in those chances and came up short. Gaethje is 4-1 in his last five, only losing to Max Holloway in 2024, and battering Paddy Pimblett to earn this third crack at the title. At his age and mileage, this is likely Gaethje’s last shot at the full title. Ilia Topuria is undefeated, the former featherweight champion and reigning lightweight champion. Topuria’s most recent three fights are genuinely one of the most impressive set of wins you’ll find, the knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight title then defended it by knocking out Max Holloway, and most recently moved up to lightweight and knocked out Charles Oliveira in less than 3 minutes to win the vacant lightweight title. That’s about as good a three fight stretch as MMA has ever coughed up. Now Topuria is trying for his first lightweight title defense, and likely then setting his sights on an even bigger fight next. The odds like the champion Topuria at -480 to a +350 comeback on Gaethje.

Lightweight Title Bout: (c) Ilia Topuria (17-0, 155 lbs.) vs. (ic) Justin Gaethje (27-5, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gaethje is four inches taller with an inch of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Early jab from Gaethje as Topuria looks to work his way forward. Gaethje keeps looking to jab, and Topuria lands a calf kick. Uppercut from Gaethje in close off of a faked knee tap. Lots of jabs from Gaethje. Topuria lands a hard calf kick. Right hand from Topuria in close. Another jab from Gaethje mostly lands. Right hand from Topuria, but Gaethje does fire back. Bit of an uppercut from Gaethje. Jab from Gaethje, counter right from Topuria. Gaethje is reaching for a half collar tie and then coming with an uppercut. Topuria’s right eye is busted up but he lands a couple of rights, his hand speed is nuts. Stiff jab from Gaethje. Topuria with a calf kick but Gaethje lands another jab. Body jab from Topuria. Gaethje lands an uppercut. Bit of a right from Topuria. Jab then a slightly clubbing right from Gaethje. They split jabs a few times. Topuria seems to be banking on being able to break down Gaethje over time taking these exchanges. Right hand from Gaethje and Topuria is bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Clubbing right from Gaethje. Again Gaethje lands a right hand. Topuria blocks a high kick then lands a couple of punches in close. Both men land in close. Left to the body from Topuria. Both men trade again. Gaethje with a right hand but Topuria just eats it and they swing in close. Jab from Gaethje again but Topuria is starting to time that. Left to the body from Topuria then both men fire in the pocket again. Hard left to the body from Topuria in close. Both men again swing in close, Gaethje with uppercuts as the round ends. Wild round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gaethje but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Gaethje showing the jab again. Topuria jabs the body. Gaethje checks a calf kick. Topuria avoids a right hand. Bit of a left from Gaethje. Topuria is feinting more now and both men land rights in close. Body jab from Topuria then Gaethje lands an uppercut. A few jabs go back and forth, then Gaethje lands an uppercut off the knee tap fake. Gaethje with a jab. They split jabs. One two from Topuria mostly lands. Clubbing right from Gaethje but Topuria just eats it. Again jabs are traded, Gaethje with an uppercut but Topuria clubs him to the body then lands a right hand. Bit of a head kick from Gaethje. Topuria digs the body in close then they trade rights. Topuria is swarming now but Gaethje lands an uppercut and backs him off. Uppercut from Topuria then more body blows. More body blows along the fence, Gaethje swings back but Topruia hurts him with a liver shot and gets on top. Topuria passes to full mount, he’s after an armbar but just lands punches instead. Mounted triangle from Topuria, Gaethje might be having flashbacks to Khaibb. Topuria rolls for an armbar, but Gaethje defends and Topuria retains side control. Back to full mount for Topuria. Back to side control for Topuria, then knee on belly briefly, I’m not sure what he’s looking for here. Gaethje is content to see out the round on bottom.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Topuria but a marginal one, 19-18 Topuria overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Gaethje presses forward and grabs a clinch then lands some short uppercuts and a knee to the body. Bit of a right from Gaethje, both men are slowing down which isn’t surprising given the insane pace. Calf kick from Gaethje, Topuria counters with a right hand. Gaethje lands a right hand. Jab from Gaethje. Another few Gaethje jabs. Topuria lands a right hand. Another jab from Gaethje. That Gaethje jab is working, then a one two hurts Topuria! Gaethje grabs a front headlock and fires some punches, he lands a knee as Topuria stands and they separate. Head kick from Gaethje partially lands. They trade again, neither man lands cleanly though. Jab from Gaethje. Another one two from Gaethje then an uppercut into a clinch. Decent right from Gaethje on the break. Uppercut from Gaethje then they tie up and both men land punches in close. Knee from Topuria then a left hook as they break. Hard right from Topuria but Gaethje fires back with one and hurts Topuria. Another right from Gaethje, Topuria has to circle and reset. Flying knee from Gaethje into a clinch on the fence. Both men trade knees while they jockey for position and the round ends with a Gaethje high kick out of the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Gaethje but again marginal, 28-27 Gaethje overall

ROUND FOUR: The doctor checks Topuria’s eye’s which are a mess. They deliberate then allow the fight to continue, but Topuria’s eyes are royally messed up. Gaethje comes out jabbing into a clinch and both men land uppercuts. Jab from Gaethje. Hard right from Gaethje. They clinch again and Gaethje with a takedown, he grabs a front headlock and lands knees as they stand. More knees to the head from Gaethje before Topuria spins and hits the body but Gaethje cracks him with a right hand. Calf kick from Topuria. Jab from Gaethje, then a one two. Bit of a counter right from Gaethje and Topuria is backing up again. They trade rights. That left eye of Topuria is a mess, they might have to stop this with that swelling. Both men land rights. Topuria pushes Gaethje back to the fence but Gaethje lands a knee. Again they split jabs. Uppercut from Gaethje to counter a right hand, Topuria is hurt. Bit of a head kick from Gaethje. I can’t stress this enough, Topuria’s face is a MESS. Another jab from Gaethje. Gaethje lands a right hand, then an uppercut. Topuria with a knee in the clinch. Takedown from Topuria into full mount. Elbow from Topuria. Topuria tries for the back but Gaethje escapes and resets. Both men land again, they’re so tired. Topuria tries a double leg, Gaethje sprawls into a front headlock and starts landing punches on the mat. Knee to the body from Gaethje then body blows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gaethje, 38-36 Gaethje overall

ROUND FIVE: Topuria’s corner stop the fight between rounds, that’s the right call given how messed up his face.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and NEW UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje via TKO, corner stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 4

I haven’t been emotionally moved by MMA in a long time, but damn that did it. That’s also the first time the UFC lightweight title has actually changed hands in the cage since Conor McGregor beat Eddie Alvarez. Mic time for the new champ, he puts over the military service members and first responders as well as the USA in general. He gives glory to God and wanted the chance to do something legendary, and knows this was that because he can’t believe it. He knew the first round was going to be tough, Topuria is super sharp and dangerous in the first, but once they got to rounds 3 and 4 he knew he could out work Topuria and batter him. A few highlights follow and Gaethje says he’s got his mother’s Mexican spirit and his dad’s hard ass German bones, he was made for this crazy sport. The moment is setting in for him, he says he prepared to lose and get embarrassed to motivate himself, and says Topuria smoked his chin and hurt his liver but he dug deep and kept going. He notes his skin is barely cut up and it should be studied. Asked about the future he says he wont make a decision tonight but retirement isn’t off the table, and he thinks the bonus will feel great. Gaethje might be the only guy who can get away with asking for that and not be penalized.

The actual moment of the finish can be found HERE.

Well on that note UFC Freedom 250 comes to a close. Heck of a way to conclude the event, as a guy who’s watched Gaethje since his World Series of Fighting days I’m over the moon for him. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast in a little bit, I hope to see you over on the 411mania youtube page. We’ll also look forward to next week when the UFC is back in the warehouse, but the main event of Kyoji Horiguchi and Manel Kape fighting again is a good fight if nothing else. I hope you’ll be back for that one, but if not I just want to thank you for reading whether it’s live or after the fact. Stay safe out there everyone and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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UFC Freedom 250, Robert Winfree

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