Ilia Topuria, the UFC lightweight champion, delivered a playful warning to US President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House, just weeks before his title defense against Justin Gaethje. The historic event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' will take place on the South Lawn on June 14.
Topuria's Playful Jab at Trump
During the promotional event, Trump highlighted Gaethje as a friend and a patriot. Topuria quickly responded, "Why you want to give the toughest test to a friend of yours?" Gaethje retorted, "Because he knows that's what I want." Trump then asked Topuria if he felt confident, to which the champion replied, "I feel good. I have complete confidence."
A Historic Event at the White House
The June 14 card features a stacked lineup, including a co-main event between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. Other fighters like Sean O'Malley, Michael Chandler, Josh Hokit, Derrick Lewis, and Diego Lopes are also scheduled to compete. Trump claimed the event would be the biggest ever at the White House, with an estimated 100,000 spectators watching on a big screen at The Eclipse park.
Topuria also complimented Trump's personality, saying, "I never thought you would be so kind!" Trump replied, "Well, I have a false image." The champion, known as 'El Matador,' will defend his lightweight belt for the first time against the interim title holder in what promises to be a monumental showdown.
