UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria plans to host a large celebration dinner the night before his title defense against Justin Gaethje at the White House, according to ESPN. The event is set for UFC Freedom Fights 250 on June 14.
Topuria (17-0) is listed as heavily favored against Gaethje (27-5), the report says, and the Georgian-Spaniard told ESPN he expects a large group of supporters to travel to Washington, D.C., for the fight. He said his team has already organized the pre-fight gathering, which will take place roughly 24 hours before he walks to the Octagon.
The champion said he plans to celebrate in advance, noting he hosted a smaller version of the event before his previous bout with Charles Oliveira, per the report. Topuria also predicted a first-round finish over Gaethje and expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of faith in his opponent, saying much of the public conversation centers on how he will stop Gaethje rather than whether Gaethje can win.
Despite the confident tone, Topuria offered praise for Gaethje and identified him as one of his favorite fighters to watch, the report adds. He was critical, however, of Gaethje’s recent five-round decision over Paddy Pimblett, calling the performance embarrassing and likening it to a bar fight in terms of quality.
Topuria, a former featherweight who now holds the lightweight title, has told the UFC he ultimately wants to move up to welterweight and pursue a third divisional championship, a milestone that would be unprecedented, according to the report. The planned celebration and his remarks set the stage for what Topuria expects to be a decisive title defense in Washington.
