Justin Gaethje is set to bring his trademark aggression back to the Octagon on June 14.
The two-time interim UFC lightweight champion is closing in on a third shot at full title honours in mixed martial arts, and he’s looking to make it count.
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Gaethje has previously come up short against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, but this time, he’ll be taking on Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC White House.
Although he’s not the favourite going in, ‘The Highlight’ thinks he can be the first to hand the Spaniard a loss. He’s even gone as far as saying that Topuria won’t look the same after their fight.
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Justin Gaethje says Ilia Topuria should be ready for a tough night when they meet for the title
Gaethje earned his shot at Topuria after beating Paddy Pimblett to claim the interim belt at UFC 324.
Topuria, meanwhile, had already built an incredible run before taking time off, knocking out Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski to become a two-division champion.
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With that form behind him, it’s no surprise most are picking ‘The Highlight’ to be just another name added to Topuria’s list of victims. Even so, Gaethje isn’t just confident he can win in Washington D.C.; he expects to inflict his usual level of damage against the undefeated champion.
“These guys are all up-and-comers, and they’re all coming for me,” Gaethje said during a recent interview with Grind City Media.
“Every time I have got the opportunity, I have held them off. I am here for a reason. I am here because I am one of the best in the world.
“I am fighting a guy who is absolutely incredible,” he continued. “But I have a great coach and we’re gonna have a great plan.”
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“I’m gonna change his face, just like I always do to all my opponents.”
A win would be seen as a huge upset given what Topuria has already achieved without tasting defeat. But Gaethje has never been one to back down from anyone inside the Octagon and will be looking to cap off UFC Freedom 250 with an American victory on home soil.
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