Justin Gaethje's upset of Ilia Topuria leads MMAMania's 2026 mid-year awards
Justin Gaethje's TKO victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 has been named the biggest upset of 2026 through June, according to MMAMania's mid-year awards published Saturday.
Gaethje entered the White House lawn showdown as a +480 underdog against the undefeated lightweight champion, who had stopped Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira in succession. Topuria's corner waved off the fight before the fifth round after Gaethje weathered an early onslaught and broke down the champion round by round. "The Highlight" proved everyone wrong, MMAMania's Alexander Behunin wrote, calling it the clear pick "in terms of optics, stakes, shock value and historical importance."
Strickland, Borjas earn honorable mentions for stunning wins
Sean Strickland's unanimous decision over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 landed among the honorable mentions. Strickland closed as a +330 underdog and became a two-time middleweight champion by turning the bout into a grinding striking battle after Chimaev controlled the opening frame. Kevin Borjas pulled off the largest betting upset of the year, beating Andre Lima as a +600 dog when Lima had been favored at -770. Tresean Gore strangled Azamat Bekoev unconscious as a +550 underdog at UFC Vegas 115, while Cody Durden snapped a four-fight skid by upsetting Jafel Filho as a +475 underdog despite taking the bout on short notice.
Gaethje finally claimed an undisputed UFC lightweight title after years as one of the promotion's most beloved action fighters. Durden is now booked to face Alessandro Costa at UFC 329, again as an underdog.
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