Pool Report 16/UFC event ends

American Justin Gaethje fought Spanish-Georgian Ilia Topuria in the final event, the lightweight title, starting at 12:40.

It ended at 1:05 with Gaethje declared the winner after Topuria's face was beaten to such a bloody pulp that he was declared incapable of continuing.

Gaethje, carrying an American flag, thanked military members in his victory remarks and said that America too faced long odds 250 years ago.

The fight was the main event of the night.

Pyrotechnics sparkled from the legs of the Claw before the fight and at 12:37, fireworks went off to the south of the White House during the introduction.

More fireworks at 1:14 a.m. as Joe Rogan concluded his post-fight interview with Gaethje. Even more fireworks (a grand finale) at 1:18 a.m.

Trump entered the Octagon at 1:15 to congratulate the winner. He pointed at the White House as the pool was ushered down a side stairwell.

The crowd favored Gaethje with the familiar "USA! USA!" chant and reacted to developments with either cheers or collective gasps and chants of "Gaethje! Gaethje!"

The second round ended with Topuria pinning Gaethje in front of Trump. But Topuria's face was badly beaten and bleeding, ultimately ending it.

A couple scraps from earlier in the night: Polish President Karol Nawrocki was among the many guests to greet Trump. And acting attorney general Todd Blanche shook many hands as he moved around the floor.

The night notably defied weather forecasts. There was not a drop of rain.

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Steven Nelson

New York Post

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