Things just escalated a notch between foes Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje, who’s set to unify the UFC lightweight title against Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, just took a personal shot at Topuria’s recent divorce from his ex-wife Giorgina Uzcategui. It’s another instance of family being dragged into their trash talk after Topuria recently responded to comments Gaethje’s father made analyzing the fight.
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Speaking with Fox Australia, Gaethje went at the Spanish-Georgian fighter when asked about Topuria’s calling card of bringing a rose to the opponents he defeats.
“All that guy is, is a gimmick,” Gaethje said. “He calls himself the king. He thinks he’s a God. What an annoying little bastard. I couldn’t imagine being in a room with him for 30 minutes listening to him talk about himself.
“And I can say this: I would leave him. That’s all I’m saying. I would leave him. No way I would put up with his sh*t.”
More: Coach highlights Ilia Topuria flaw that Justin Gaethje could expose
Gaethje is not a fan of Topuria’s antics and persona, but this isn’t the first time he’s felt this way toward a rival. With 15 years of fighting professionally, Gaethje has seen it all.
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“It was similar with Paddy Pimblett. He was so full of himself,” Gaethje said. “It can be so detrimental to approach life that way, thinking you’re better than everybody else, because nobody is better than anyone. We’re all children of God. You’re a product of your circumstances at the end of the day. I’ve been so blessed with the parents I have, the family I have, and the opportunities I’ve been granted. And I thank God every single day for those opportunities. And I promise daily that I will never change. No matter the success, no matter the failure. I’ve promised countless times to my Lord and Savior that I will never disappoint him. Or that I won’t ever think I’m better than anything or anybody. That’s how I got here. That’s how I’ve resonated with people. For me, that’s the way I have to live.”
Gaethje and Topuria meet in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, which goes down on the South Lawn of the White House. “The Highlight” won the UFC interim lightweight title after beating Pimblett in January.
The interim belt was implemented as Topuria wasn’t available to defend his undisputed title due to the divorce he was going through. Topuria last fought in June 2025, knocking out Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt at 155 pounds.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC White House: Justin Gaethje digs at Ilia Topuria’s divorce
