One of the biggest upsets in UFC history took place Sunday night at the White House as Justin Gaethje shocked the MMA world, defeating previously undefeated Ilia Topuria despite entering the fight as a +340 underdog. Gaethje weathered an early storm before completely turning the fight around, ultimately forcing Topuria's corner to stop the bout after the fourth round.
The result was especially stunning considering the confidence surrounding Topuria leading into the fight. The lightweight champion even held his traditional victory-celebration dinner the night before the event, which quickly became a talking point online after the upset. Not only this, but he also had Gaethje’s name tattooed on his chest with a line going through it on the list with the other legends he had previously knocked out.
As the fight progressed, Gaethje's pressure, power, and durability began to take over. By the end of the fourth round, Topuria was badly damaged and unable to continue. His corner made the decision to stop the fight before the fifth round, handing him the first loss of his professional career. Reports after the fight indicated Topuria suffered significant facial damage (orbital fracture) and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
For Gaethje, it was the defining win of his career. For Topuria, it was a harsh reminder that in combat sports, no fight is won until it's over.
