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Gaethje Wins at White House, Becomes Oldest UFC Champion

6/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Justin Gaethje stopped Ilia Topuria at the end of round four to win the lightweight championship on the White House South Lawn.
The bout proceeded despite a pending lawsuit and a 45-minute weather delay.
At 37 years and 212 days Gaethje set the record as the oldest UFC champion at 155 pounds, while Topuria, fresh from a divorce, said Gaethje’s family remarks crossed a line but did not affect his preparation.

History

Historical Context

Randy Couture’s 2007 victory at age 43 made him the UFC’s oldest champion, a milestone highlighted by Dana White’s $500,000 bonus and later cited when 37-year-old Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria on the White House South Lawn in 2024, setting a new age-record for a title-level bout, demonstrating that veteran fighters remain viable headline draws in the sport’s history.

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Story summary

Justin Gaethje stopped Ilia Topuria at the end of round four to win the lightweight championship on the White House South Lawn.
The bout proceeded despite a pending lawsuit and a 45-minute weather delay.
At 37 years and 212 days Gaethje set the record as the oldest UFC champion at 155 pounds, while Topuria, fresh from a divorce, said Gaethje’s family remarks crossed a line but did not affect his preparation.

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