UFC

UFC Freedom 250 Results: Justin Gaethje Captures UFC Lightweight Title

By LockerRoom Team June 16, 2026

UFC staged what it described as its most historic event to date as UFC Freedom 250 concluded on the White House lawn, with championship fights and multiple stoppage victories highlighting the card.

The event, held in the U.S. capital and broadcast live in Asia on June 15, was headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje.

The main event featured a competitive striking battle that saw both fighters enjoy moments of success. Topuria controlled portions of the second round with body attacks and time in the mount position, while Gaethje responded in the later rounds with strikes that damaged Topuria’s eyes.

After the fourth round, Topuria was unable to continue, resulting in a corner stoppage and a technical knockout victory for Gaethje, who became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

“I prayed so much for this opportunity to do something legendary,” Gaethje said after the fight. “My durability, tenacity and heart will carry me through those first couple of rounds. Nobody can outwork me in round three, and especially the championship rounds four and five.”

In the co-main event, former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira faced top heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.

Following a tactical opening round, Gane increased the pressure in the second round and landed a series of unanswered strikes that prompted the referee to stop the contest.

The victory earned Gane the interim UFC heavyweight championship and positioned him for a future title bout.

“We worked on that,” Gane said. “I'm really proud of myself. I'm really technical, but people underestimate me. My mentality is also very tough.”

The main card also featured several stoppage victories, including wins by Sean O'Malley, Josh Hokit, Mauricio Ruffy, Bo Nickal and Diego Lopes.

In addition to the standard UFC post-event bonuses, special bonus pools were awarded through event partners. The Fight of the Night award went to Gaethje and Topuria, while Gaethje and Gane also received special Performance of the Night awards.

Results

UFC Lightweight Championship

  • Justin Gaethje def. Ilia Topuria via TKO (corner stoppage) — Round 4, 5:00

UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship

  • Ciryl Gane def. Alex Pereira via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 1:27

Main Card

  • Sean O'Malley def. Aiemann Zahabi via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 4:02
  • Josh Hokit def. Derrick Lewis via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 4:09
  • Mauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:29
  • Bo Nickal def. Kyle Daukaus via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:34
  • Diego Lopes def. Steve Garcia via KO (strikes) — Round 2, 2:42

Special Bonus Winners

Fight of the Night

  • Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria — $400,000 each

Performances of the Night

  • Justin Gaethje — $425,000
  • Ciryl Gane — $425,000

Finish Bonuses

  • Sean O'Malley — $25,000
  • Josh Hokit — $25,000
  • Mauricio Ruffy — $25,000
  • Bo Nickal — $25,000
  • Diego Lopes — $25,000
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