Justin Gaethje's father downplays Ilia Topuria ahead of UFC fight. White House: 'Another short guy'.

Ilia Topuria Justin Gaehtje and Gaehtje face off. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) and in the final stretch to appear in the main fight as expected. UFC White House, Justin gaethje He will be yet another one trying to end the unbeaten run of Ilia TopuriaHowever, while most of the MMA world sees the difficulty that the American will have in the confrontation, the same cannot be said about his family. In a video published on YouTube this Monday (1), John Ray Gaethje, Justin's father, spoke about the duel and showed himself calm regarding a favorable result for his son.

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According to him, the physique represented by Topuria is far from new to Destaque, who has already shared the octagon with the best lightweights (up to 70,3 kg) of the generation. Because of this, he believes in another victory for his son at the next numbered Ultimate event.

“Justin is fighting another short guy, and he did very well against Chandler, Fiziev, and a few others. I just see the same thing happening in this fight. This is what we train for. This is what he has dedicated his whole life to,” he declared.

Justin gaethje's dad believes Ilia Topuria presents a matchup Justin has already mastered. 😳🔥

“Justin's fighting another little short guy, and he's done really well against Chandler, Fiziev, and a few others. I just see the same thing happening for this fight. This is what we… pic.twitter.com/8h77hDaTq9

— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) June 1, 2026

Topuria is a big favorite for the UFC Casa Branca main fight

Topuria celebrates her UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Despite the father's statement, Justin gaethje He is seen by most fans and media as the underdog in the fight that will unify the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). StakeFor example, each real bet on the American could yield up to 5,60 for the bettor in case of a victory against the Georgian/Spanish fighter, who has never been defeated in 17 professional fights.