Story perspectives

Trump Watches Underdog Gaethje Upset Topuria, Becomes Oldest Champion

6/16/2026

Summary

Trump Watches Gaethje

U.S. President Donald Trump watched Justin Gaethje defeat Ilia Topuria by fourth-round doctor-stoppage TKO at Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.
Gaethje entered as a +360 underdog, led 39-37 and, at 37, 212 days, became the oldest lightweight champion.
Topuria suffered facial swelling, a suspected broken orbital bone and permanent loss of sight in both eyes.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Gaethje earned an $825,000 bonus and named Arman Tsarukyan as the likely next challenger.

Summary

Pereira Title Chase

Alex Pereira will chase a third-division heavyweight title against interim champion Ciryl Gane.
Justin Gaethje’s reference to Ilia Topuria’s divorce and Ilia Topuria’s father’s “another guy” comment heightened tension before their bout.
Paramount+ streams the fight for $8.99 per month, with DirecTV adding three free months valued at $175.
Walmart+ offers fuel discounts tied to the event, while DraftKings posts odds and CBS Sports analysts supply predictions, emphasizing betting focus.

History

Historical Context

UFC 1 debuted in Denver on November 12 1993, when co-creators Rorion Gracie and Art Davie staged an eight-man, no-rules tournament that awarded $50,000 to Royce Gracie. The event’s pay-per-view broadcast introduced the octagon and proved bare-knuckle fighting could attract national viewers. That early model underpins Dana White’s 2026 Gaethje-Topuria fight streamed on Paramount+.

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Trump Watches Gaethje

U.S. President Donald Trump watched Justin Gaethje defeat Ilia Topuria by fourth-round doctor-stoppage TKO at Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.
Gaethje entered as a +360 underdog, led 39-37 and, at 37, 212 days, became the oldest lightweight champion.
Topuria suffered facial swelling, a suspected broken orbital bone and permanent loss of sight in both eyes.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Gaethje earned an $825,000 bonus and named Arman Tsarukyan as the likely next challenger.

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