Ilia Topuria Plans to Win a Third Belt After Fighting Justin Gaethje at UFC White House

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

UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Ilia Topuria already has ambitious plans for the future. Even before the title unification fight against Justin Gaethje , scheduled for June 14th, in the main event of UFC Casa Branca in Washington, DC (USA), the Georgian revealed his desire to win a third title in the organization and pointed to Islam Makhachev as a possible opponent in a potential move up to welterweight (up to 77 kg).

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The possibility of pursuing another belt arises at one of the best moments in Topuria's career. Since winning the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) in February 2024, the Georgian has accumulated remarkable victories over Alexander Volkanovski , Max Holloway , and Charles Oliveira , results that have solidified him among the top names in the organization. Now, the champion states he is willing to move up a weight class in search of new challenges should he overcome Gaethje.

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Ilia Topuria and Giorgina Uzcategui at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X

Justin Gaethje attacks Ilia Topuria's personality and comments on the champion's divorce before the UFC White House.

Justin Gaethje compares Ilia Topuria to Conor and hopes to 'teach a lesson' to the two-time UFC champion.

“I want to win the third belt. After this fight, if the UFC gives me the opportunity to move up to welterweight and face champion Islam Makhachev , I will be very happy,” the two-time champion stated in an interview with the YouTube channel 'UFC on Paramount'.

UFC White House

UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Georgian Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against the interim title holder, American Justin Gaethje.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil is represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, the renowned striker seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane.

Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. The pair will face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.

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