Ilia Topuria doesn't see 'any possibility' Justin Gaethje can beat him

A lightweight title unification bout headlines the UFC Freedom 250 fight card at the White House on June 14. Champion Ilia Topuria faces interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in the historic event's featured fight.

Topuria will make the walk to the octagon on the South Lawn undefeated and expects to remain that way. After watching Gaethje's last fight against Paddy Pimblett, he's certain that he'll be successful in his first title defense.

Advertisement

"Listen, if you compare my skills to his skills, I just feel that I'm way better than him," Topuria told UFC on Paramount+. "I knew that at some time I would have to defend my belt against him since he became the interim world champion, but I don't know. I see almost zero possibilities for him, but that's my perception."

"Every fighter is different. They bring different styles inside the octagon. I've never faced anyone like Justin. He's a legendary fighter. I like him as a fan and I always love to watch all of his fights because they're all very entertaining," Topuria said. "Yeah. But when you talk about like me fighting him, yeah. As I told you before, I don't see any possibility for him."

Topuria is prepared to go five rounds with Gaethje but doesn't think the fight will get out of the first frame. "I don't think so," Topuria said when asked if he thinks the fight will go into the later rounds.

"I'm prepared. I prepared and I have the stamina to go not for five rounds, but for five days I can be in there. I know how it feels when you're tired, when you can't do more and you never give up. So, I'm ready. But I have the complete faith that I'm going to finish in him the first round. I just want to make it look beautiful," said the champion.