If Dana White wanted UFC Freedom 250 to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime event, mission accomplished.
Held on the South Lawn of the White House in front of a packed crowd, UFC Freedom 250 felt more like a movie than a fight card. Nearly every fight ended in dramatic fashion, championship belts changed hands, and a few contenders punched their ticket to title shots.
Let’s break down every fight from an unforgettable night.
Main Event: Justin Gaethje def. Ilia Topuria (TKO, Round 4)
What. A. Fight.
Coming into the bout, Ilia Topuria was undefeated and looked nearly untouchable. Most fans expected the lightweight king to continue his reign, but Justin Gaethje reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous men to ever step inside the Octagon.
The first two rounds were a war. Topuria had moments with his boxing combinations, but Gaethje’s pressure, leg kicks, and willingness to trade changed the fight. By Round 4, Topuria’s face showed the damage. Gaethje dropped him, poured on the pressure, and forced a corner stoppage to become the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion.
At 37 years old, “The Highlight” finally climbed the mountain and delivered one of the biggest victories of his career.
Grade: A+
Co-Main Event: Ciryl Gane def. Alex Pereira (TKO, Round 2)
Alex Pereira was attempting to become the first three-division champion in UFC history.
Ciryl Gane had other plans.
Gane’s movement and speed immediately gave Pereira problems. The heavyweight striker never allowed “Poatan” to get comfortable and repeatedly beat him to the punch. Midway through the second round, Gane unleashed a combination that forced the referee to jump in and stop the fight.
The victory earned Gane another interim heavyweight title and likely puts him right back into championship discussions.
Grade: A
Sean O’Malley def. Aiemann Zahabi (KO, Round 2)
Welcome back, Suga.
Sean O’Malley entered Freedom 250 needing a statement win, and he got exactly that.
Zahabi had some success early with leg kicks, but O’Malley’s timing and accuracy eventually took over. Late in the second round, O’Malley landed a crushing left hand followed by a perfect combination that sent Zahabi crashing to the canvas.
The walk-off knockout instantly became one of the signature highlights of the entire event.
If there was any doubt that O’Malley belongs back in the title conversation, it disappeared Sunday night.
Grade: A+
Josh Hokit def. Derrick Lewis (TKO)
One of the biggest surprises of the evening came in the heavyweight division.
Derrick Lewis entered as the veteran knockout artist, but Josh Hokit completely overwhelmed him. Hokit pushed the pace, controlled the exchanges, and eventually earned a stoppage victory that could launch him into the heavyweight rankings.
For Lewis, the questions about the future continue.
Grade: B+
Mauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler (KO, Round 1)
This one ended fast.
Mauricio Ruffy delivered one of the knockouts of the night when he blasted Michael Chandler with a spinning wheel kick in the opening round. Chandler never recovered, and Ruffy instantly became one of the biggest winners of the event.
It was the type of finish that gets replayed for years.
Grade: A+
Bo Nickal def. Kyle Daukaus (TKO, Round 1)
Bo Nickal continues to look like a future champion.
The wrestling standout wasted no time taking control and putting Daukaus away before the opening round could even reach the final minute. Nickal’s mix of wrestling and improving striking continues to make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the UFC.
The middleweight division should be paying attention.
Grade: A
Diego Lopes def. Steve Garcia (KO, Round 2)
Diego Lopes showed once again why fans love watching him fight.
After a competitive opening round, Lopes found his opening in Round 2 and delivered a devastating knockout that brought the White House crowd to its feet.
Every time Lopes steps into the cage, something exciting happens.
Grade: A
My Final Thoughts
UFC Freedom 250 wasn’t just another pay-per-view.
It was one of the most unique events the sport has ever seen.
Justin Gaethje finally captured undisputed gold. Ciryl Gane stopped history from being made. Sean O’Malley reminded everyone he’s still one of the UFC’s biggest stars. And a new generation of contenders including Bo Nickal, Mauricio Ruffy, and Josh Hokit took major steps forward.
The UFC wanted a spectacle on the White House lawn.
They got one.
Dana White has said this won’t happen again though he’s got to financially recover from this.
