A lightweight title bout between an undefeated champion and an American with the nickname “The Highlight” headlines the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14.
Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria puts his belt on the line for the first time against two-time interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in the historic event’s featured fight. Gaethje’s coach, Trevor Wittman, says competing on the White House lawn has been motivating to his fighter.
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“This is a big fight. We’re fighting on the White House card, so this is a one-off, you know, so I think that is very very cool to be apart of, especially the main event. Justin is really taking that serious. I mean, obviously he takes every fight serious, but to be able to be on the White House card and you’re the headliner, that’s a very important thing to him,” Whittman said on Gaethje’s YouTube channel.
“Like, he’s all American, dude. And he represents this country more than anybody I know. So, it’s very cool to have him be a part of that. And the cool part is we’re fighting Ilia.”
Topuria is a massive betting favorite a month out from the event. Wittman pointed out that Gaethje has been the underdog several times, but expects to see the 37 year-old ‘shock the world’ on June 14.
“Right now everybody thinks Ilia is the, you know, the unbeatable, you know, superhero. He’s a great, great fighter, but everybody’s human and I definitely see some holes in his game,” Wittman said.
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“Obviously, they’re saying the same thing. They’re going to see holes in our game, and we’re making our adjustments. And I’m sure they’re going to make adjustments for fighting a guy like Justin,” Wittman continued.
“I look forward to shocking the world on this unique UFC White House card. Freedom 250. I’m so excited and we’re going to go out there and shock the world.”
