Ilia Topuria quit on his stool after the fourth round as Justin Gaethje was crowned UFC lightweight champion at the White House on Sunday night.
Fight Recap
Gaethje kicked off the fight by pumping out his jab, but Topuria immediately started walking him down, answering with a low kick. While Gaethje found early success in the opening exchanges with a sharp uppercut, Topuria fired back with another heavy leg kick and a big right hand over the top. However, the champion was already bloodied as Gaethje impressed early on, only for Topuria to end the round on top.
Topuria switched downstairs in the second round and winded Gaethje, dropping him before attempting first a triangle and then an armbar, but the American somehow managed to escape. He dominated the third round with an uppercut giving him the advantage before capitalising on his successes. Topuria then looked as if he would retire on his stool but forced himself up before the doctor looked set to stop the fight.
Final Round Decision
The medic was convinced to wave it on, but the Spaniard lasted just another round before failing to come out for the final session. More to follow.
