
Businessman suggests possible fight between Ilia Topuria (left) and Justin Gaethje . Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Justin Gaethje is convinced that destiny points to a major showdown against Ilia Topuria at UFC White House . The former BMF champion, who won the interim title by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, sees the sequence of events as clear signs that he is on track to headline the historic card, with the mission of representing his country at the event planned for the lawn of the United States presidential residence.
During an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show', Gaethje stated that a fight against Topuria at the symbolic venue would be the ideal scenario for his career. According to him, the idea of going straight from the Oval Office to the octagon, carrying the American flag, is something he has been thinking about since his fight against Rafael Fiziev back in 2025. At that time, the plan was to face the Georgian at the beginning of the 2026 season and defend the belt precisely on the White House card.
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“ Ilia Topuria at the White House, it has to be, there’s no other option. Going straight from the Oval Office to the cage wearing the flag… I can’t think of anything better, I’ve been telling the universe this since I fought (Rafael) Fiziev last year. I thought it would be Topuria in January and that I would defend my belt on the White House card,” said Gaethe.
Justin also acknowledged that plans needed to be adjusted along the way. With Topuria temporarily stepping away for personal reasons, Gaethje ended up fighting for the interim belt, a result that makes him the interim champion and, in his view, keeps alive the possibility of a fight between the two in June at the special event in Washington.
“Things change, you can’t control everything. Ilia stepped back for personal reasons, I fought for an interim belt, which made me champion on paper and puts Ilia Topuria in the White House in June,” concluded the interim champion.
Relive the victory that made Justin Gaethje the new interim UFC champion.

Gaethje and Pimblett have a tense face-off at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Despite being 37 years old, which is an advanced age to compete, Gaethje shows no sign of slowing down. On the contrary, the veteran set an intense pace in the fight and pressured Paddy from start to finish.
Aggressive and powerful, the American delivered knockdowns to 'The Baddy' and frequently rocked him. 'The Highlight's' superiority in the fight was so great that the Englishman left with his face and body severely bruised.
AN EARLY KNOCKDOWN FOR @Justin_Gaethje 🤯
[ #UFC324 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/obnrCiWVty
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026
ANOTHER KNOCKDOWN FOR @Justin_Gaethje TO START ROUND 4!
[ #UFC324 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/gfbpZzGzuG
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026
We had an electrifying fight ending! 🤯 Who is the new champion? #UFC324
[Live now on @ParamountPlusBR ] pic.twitter.com/DVKY8hVvT3
— UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) January 25, 2026
FOREVER LINKED ∞ @Justin_Gaethje & @PaddyTheBaddy just had an epic main event to kick off the year!
[ #UFC324 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/9yXiXSCixt
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026
🏆 @Justin_Gaethje brings the belt home 🏠
When & where do you want him next? 👀
[ #UFC324 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/nBs8CBlo7r
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026
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Read More about: Ilia Topuria, Justin gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, UFC 324, UFC White House



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