UFC White House: Ilia Topuria shoves Justin Gaethje in front of Lincoln Memorial
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Ilia Topuria shoved Justin Gaethje during the final news conference before their UFC lightweight unification fight, held in front of the Lincoln Memorial ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn.
- Both fighters confidently predicted victory, with Topuria claiming he would knock Gaethje out in the first round, while Gaethje responded calmly and highlighted the significance of the location.
- The event, UFC Freedom 250, is a unique show celebrating 250 years of American independence and coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
- In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane will face Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title, with Pereira aiming to become the first UFC fighter to hold belts in three divisions.
- The news conference featured interruptions from American heavyweight Josh Hokit, and Topuria praised Pereira as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.