UFC Freedom 250: Justin Gaethje stuns Ilia Topuria to win lightweight crown

American Justin Gaethje produced a remarkable comeback to dethrone Ilia Topuria and claim the UFC lightweight title at Sunday's UFC Freedom 250 event, staged on the White House lawns.

After Topuria narrowly edged two highly competitive opening rounds, Gaethje turned the contest on its head with a devastating right hand, followed by a relentless barrage of punches that left the Spaniard badly swollen and bloodied.

Gaethje credited his victory to resilience and determination, saying his endurance helped him overcome his opponent’s superior early-round skills.

“I cannot even believe it ... I knew I was going to have to get through the first round, his skills are unmatched when he’s fresh," Gaethje said.

"But my durability, my tenacity and my heart were going to carry me through.”

Struggling with impaired vision, Topuria was examined by the ringside doctor before being allowed to continue into the fourth round.

However, his corner elected to stop the fight before the fifth and final round could begin.

The contest headlined the first professional sporting event ever held at the White House, forming a centrepiece of US President Donald Trump's celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.

In the co-main event, France's Ciryl Gane outclassed Brazil's Alex Pereira before securing a spectacular second-round knockout victory to capture the interim UFC heavyweight title.

Pereira, a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion, had been aiming to become the first fighter in the promotion's history to win championships across three weight divisions after moving up to heavyweight.