Justin Gaethje Ends Ilia Topuria’s Reign at UFC Freedom 250: Arman Tsarukyan, Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev, Jake Paul, and Others React
The MMA pros have reacted after Justin Gaethje dogwalked and dethroned Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250.
Gaethje entered the bout as a massive underdog and the current and two-time interim 155-pound kingpin, but he managed to prove the oddsmakers wrong. Utilizing his jab, “The Highlight” disrupted Topuria’s rhythm and first shattered the latter’s bold prediction of a Round 1 knockout.
Topuria had a strong second round. He unloaded powerful body shots that hurt “The Highlight.” Sensing the finish, the 29-year-old followed Gaethje to the ground to seek a TKO or a submission. But the 37-year-old managed to survive.
Round 3 belonged entirely to Justin Gaethje. With his sharp jab, perfect feints, and a brilliant game plan crafted by coach Trevor Wittman, Gaethje marched forward as he had discussed before the bout. With uppercuts and jabs, he pieced up the Georgian-Spaniard and left Topuria’s face battered and in a complete mess. “El Matador” struggled to see clearly as the third stanza concluded.
Many thought the fight would be stopped before the fourth round by the cageside doctor, as Topuria could barely see. But “El Matador” decided to fight for one more round.
In the fourth stanza, Topuria landed some effective counters, but Gaethje was the sharper fighter. He started dogwalking “El Matador,” and his jab repeatedly found the target.
Before the fifth frame, Topuria was no longer fit to continue due to the punishment he had absorbed, and Justin Gaethje was declared the winner via TKO (corner stoppage).
Arman Tsarukyan, Jake Paul, and others react as Justin Gaethje Dethrones Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250
Arman Tsarukyan, who just won $5.7 MILLION after Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria, posted on X:
“Ilia “no mas” Topuria 🤦🏻♂️”
After Round 3, Topuria took an extra min to recover while the doctor came in to inspect. Reacting to that, the Armenian added another post:
“So we’re giving extra minute to recover now lol?”
Conor McGregor posted:
“Holloway flatlined Justin. Face down, out cold. It is a glorious time to be in the McGregor fight business!”
“Aw ye!”
Jake Paul lauded the newly minted undisputed UFC lightweight champ Gaethje and took back-to-back digs at “El Matador.
“Let’s go America 🇺🇸 Justin Gaethje is a beast Lillia such a h*e for quitting on his stool. Not even worth sparring that tiny boy”
Islam Makhachev quipped:
“He who exalts himself will be humbled ! There’s levels in this game! Congratulations Justin, you deserve this belt more than anyone!”
Check out more reactions below:
