Justin Gaethje wins UFC lightweight title at White House event
Trump praised Justin Gaethje as a “Great Fighter” after the 37-year-old stopped undefeated champion Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn.
WHITE HOUSE — Donald Trump has praised Justin Gaethje as a “Great Fighter” after his UFC world championship victory on a Truth Social post on July 5, 2026 at 4:25 PM EST.
Here is the full post on [truthsocial]: “Justin Gaethje after his Big Victory, and attaining the UFC World Championship, at the front door of the White House. He is a Great Fighter! Trump”
Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by defeating previously undefeated lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 (see thebodylockmma.com). The event took place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington during Trump’s 80th birthday celebration. Topuria’s corner stopped the fight between the fourth and fifth rounds after the 29-year-old fighter sustained severe facial damage.
The stoppage ended Topuria’s perfect 17-0 record and gave the 37-year-old Gaethje his first UFC championship. Gaethje entered the fight as a heavy underdog at +400 odds compared to Topuria’s -550 favorite status (see thebodylockmma.com). He came into the bout with a 27-5 record and a reputation for aggressive, entertaining brawls.
Mixed martial artist Justin Gaethje posed with his championship belt at the White House on 07/05/2026. Gaethje secured his first UFC lightweight championship in an upset victory at an event held at the White House, becoming one of the oldest fighters to win a UFC title.
Margo Martin / X (formerly Twitter)
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UFC President Dana White provided updates on Topuria’s condition after the fight. “Ilya’s in the hospital. He’s busted up,” White told reporters. White said he believes Topuria suffered a broken orbital bone based on the appearance of his eye. “My plans for him are to go home and rest and recover and take his time,” White said.
The White House called the event “a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.” Gaethje now holds the lightweight championship at age 37, making him one of the oldest fighters to win a UFC title.
In the last 30 days, 43 of 535 Trump posts were on topic “Culture”.
Source: Zenger real-time database of all Truth Social posts.
Note: Chart generated on July 5, 2026 at 4:40 PM EST
Source: Zenger analysis
Note: Table generated by https://zenger.news on July 5, 2026 at 4:40 PM EST