Marc Goddard thanked Aleksandre Topuria for stopping Ilia Topuria’s fight against Justin Gaethje at the White House South Lawn, telling Aleks, thanks, brother. Good decision
in footage released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Placing an octagon in the South Lawn of the White House, the nerve center of global power, served as an assertion of authority by the combat sports industry.
Four months after the historic mixed martial arts event staged at the South Lawn of the White House, the UFC published internal camera footage showing the moments that led to the end of the main event. During the fight, Justin Gaethje captured the lightweight championship and handed Ilia Topuria the first defeat of his professional career. This historic mixed martial arts event marked the most symbolic occasion in the history of the sport. In the co-main event, Alex Pereira fell short in his bid to secure a triple belt, even on an interim basis, after losing to French fighter Cyril Gane.
Marc Goddard thanked Aleksandre Topuria for stopping the fight after the fourth round“Aleks, thank you bro. Good decision.”(via @ufc) pic.twitter.com/KlxxvGMWIE https://t.co/qTGL2yqqds
— https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2108546778866069587
The Corner Decision That Ended the Main Event
The bout came to a halt at the conclusion of the fourth round when Aleksandre Topuria, Ilia’s older brother and trainer, stepped in to stop the fight from the corner. After four rounds of heavy damage, Ilia Topuria’s vision was severely compromised. During the preceding break, the fighter told his corner that he could barely see, though he insisted on continuing.
Aleksandre faced a difficult choice between his brother’s intense competitive drive and his physical safety. When Aleksandre made the call to stop the bout before the fifth round, veteran referee Marc Goddard immediately approached the corner to express gratitude for the intervention, acknowledging that the corner had made the right call to protect the athlete.
Lightweight Division Aftermath and Medical Recovery
Following the stoppage, Ilia Topuria received medical clearance and has since returned to training. While his specific next opponent remains unconfirmed, potential matchups in the lightweight division include Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett.
According to reporting from ABC, Topuria could make his return to the Octagon between April and July of 2027, a milestone that will undoubtedly generate unprecedented anticipation.
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