Gaethje claims lightweight belt at White House, then faces six-month medical suspension

Justin Gaethje is finally the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, but his reign may have to wait. The 37-year-old defeated Ilia Topuria via technical knockout at UFC Freedom 250, a historic event held on the White House South Lawn in front of President Donald Trump, according to the Los Angeles Times and Sportbible. Gaethje forced the previously undefeated Topuria to quit between rounds 4 and 5, coming in as an underdog against the champion.

"Justin Gaethje, 37, finally became the undisputed UFC champion after a long wait."

The victory capped a long journey for Gaethje, who had chased the title for years. But the celebration may be short-lived. Both Gaethje and Topuria received 180-day medical suspensions due to injuries sustained during the fight, the Los Angeles Times reported. That means Gaethje could be sidelined for six months before he can defend his belt.

Just days after his win, Gaethje has already made a significant demand to the UFC promotion, according to Sportbible. The outlet did not specify the nature of the demand, but it signals that the new champion is eager to capitalize on his moment despite the looming medical layoff.

The White House card marked an unprecedented setting for a UFC event, blending sports and politics in a way that drew both praise and scrutiny. For Gaethje, the venue added a layer of spectacle to a career-defining night, though the suspension now casts uncertainty over his immediate future in the lightweight division.