Ahead of his main event clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, Ilia Topuria has assured fans of his intent to win, but with a primary focus on delivering an exciting spectacle. The lightweight title unification bout is widely anticipated to be a thrilling striking exchange. Topuria has openly stated his intention to knock Gaethje out, and Gaethje himself has indicated that a finish is expected on fight night.
In a recent conversation with VicBlends, the 29-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to a striking-focused fight. Topuria expressed confidence in his diverse skillset, mentioning his ability to control Gaethje on the ground if he chose to, but emphasized his desire to engage in a war with “The Highlight” to provide an unforgettable show for the audience. He explained his approach:
“If I wanted, of course I can take [Gaethje] down and do whatever I want to him. But I really want to give the fans a show. With Max [Holloway] also, I could’ve taken him down, control him on the ground and submit him, but it wouldn’t be as exciting as it was. That’s the same thing I’m planning to do with Justin; it’s gonna be a pure striking fight. At least from my side.”
Ilia Topuria Issues Strong Warning to Potential Future Opponent: “I’m going to break his jaw”
Arman Tsarukyan is slated as the official backup fighter for the upcoming lightweight title unification match between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Previously, Topuria had expressed skepticism about Tsarukyan accepting a short-notice fight against him. Despite Tsarukyan’s frequent calls for a fight, Topuria had historically been hesitant. However, the reigning lightweight champion has recently indicated a potential interest in facing the top contender in the near future.
During the same interview, Topuria took pointed shots at Tsarukyan, questioning his accomplishments both within and outside the UFC. He confidently stated:
“I’m going to embarrass you in front of everyone. He [Tsarukyan] thinks that he is tough; his wrestling is the best in the world. When it comes to the octagon, I’m the king. I do with you whatever I want to f****** do. I’m gonna break his jaw in the first round… I’m gonna break his jaw, bam, in front of his crowd, his people.”
English Translation:
Leading up to his main event bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, Ilia Topuria has pledged to his fans that he is aiming for a win, but his primary objective is to entertain those present. The lightweight title unification clash is widely anticipated by analysts to be a guaranteed slugfest. Topuria has issued a warning to Gaethje, promising a knockout, while Gaethje himself has indicated in interviews that one of them will be finished on June 14.
“El Matador” has now reiterated his intention for a pure striking battle. In a recent interview with VicBlends, the 29-year-old stated that he possesses a complete arsenal and could easily out-wrestle Gaethje if he wished. However, he plans to go to war with “The Highlight” to provide fans with a fight worth watching. He elaborated:
“If I wanted, of course, I can take [Gaethje] down and do whatever I want to him. But I genuinely want to give the fans a show. With Max [Holloway] as well, I could have taken him down, controlled him on the ground, and submitted him, but it wouldn’t have been as exciting as it was. That’s what I’m planning to do with Justin; it’s going to be a pure striking fight. At least from my end.”
Ilia Topuria Warns Potential Future Opponent: “I’m going to break his jaw”
Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the official backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title unification bout. Reacting to this news, Topuria had previously opined that the Armenian would never fight him on short notice. Although Tsarukyan has called out “El Matador” on several occasions, the latter was never eager to fight Tsarukyan. However, most recently, the reigning lightweight champion has shown interest in facing the top contender soon.
During the aforementioned sit-down, Topuria took consecutive jabs at “Ahalkalakets” and the latter’s achievements both inside and outside the UFC. He quipped:
“I’m going to embarrass you in front of everyone. He [Tsarukyan] believes he’s tough; his wrestling is the best in the world. When it comes to the octagon, I am the king. I will do with you whatever I want. I’m going to break his jaw in the first round… I’m going to break his jaw, bam, in front of his crowd, his people.”
