At the UFC 250 pre-fight press conference, a verbal sparring match between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje was lightened by a memorable one-liner from Sean O’Malley.
The main event of UFC 250 will feature a bout between interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and undisputed 155-pound titleholder Ilia Topuria. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley, also known as “Suga,” is set to face Aiemann Zahabi on the same night.
During the press conference held at the Lincoln Memorial, Gaethje expressed his belief that his coach, Trevor Wittman, has formulated a foolproof strategy to defeat Topuria. In response, Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador,” retorted:
“You’re going to be alone in that octagon with me. You’re not even the world champion, what makes [your coach] the best?”
Gaethje then elaborated, stating:
“His success as a coach. His accomplishments as a coach.”
The Georgian-Spanish fighter, Topuria, disagreed that Trevor Wittman is the greatest coach. He presented his own rationale, highlighting his coach Javi Clement as “the best”:
“So that makes my coach [Javi Clement] the best because I won the world title in featherweight, then I moved up to lightweight and won the title.”
Adding to the lighthearted moment, Sean O’Malley chimed in, asserting the superiority of his coach, Tim Welch:
“No, my coach is the best!”
Watch the exchange between Sean O’Malley, Justin Gaethje, and Ilia Topuria below:
Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje go back and forth at the press conference:
🗣 Topuria: ‘You’re gonna be alone in that octagon with me. You’re not even the world champion, what makes [your coach] the best?’
🗣 Gaethje: ‘His success as a coach. His accomplishments as a coach.’… pic.twitter.com/zn0AjpPUsd
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 13, 2026
Ilia Topuria Explains Push on Justin Gaethje During Face-Off
Following the press conference, a tense face-off saw Ilia Topuria push Justin Gaethje, despite UFC President Dana White’s request for composure.
Justin Gaethje VIOLATED Ilia Topuria right to his face 😭
“Lord Farquaad, you look so good. One more belt and you might not be able to carry it. It’s too heavy for you.” 💀 pic.twitter.com/KLgn6RMmJX
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 13, 2026
The 29-year-old Topuria later explained his actions, stating:
“I told him don’t come closer and he told me ‘What, are you gonna punch me?’ And I was like, yeah. He came closer. So I just had to push him. If I punched him, he’s not gonna be able to show up.”
See Ilia Topuria’s comments and the heated face-off:
Ilia Topuria said he wanted to punch Justin Gaethje during their face off 😬
“I told him don’t come closer. I just had to push him. If I punched him, he’s not gonna be able to show up.” https://t.co/2VbtZ0gOTG pic.twitter.com/Vklpe8ETbL
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 13, 2026
