UFC Legend Explains How Fight Between Topuria and Gaethje Became a Personal Rivalry

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Businessman suggests possible fight between Ilia Topuria (left) and Justin Gaethje . Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

The highly anticipated fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje for the unification of the UFC lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) may have gained an extra ingredient outside the octagon, at least in the view of Daniel Cormier . 'El Matador' and 'Highlight' will face each other in the main event of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th, and in the weeks leading up to the event, they exchanged personal attacks, which, according to the former champion and current commentator, contributed to further increasing the tension of the confrontation.

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Cormier's warning came after Gaethje mentioned his divorce from Topuria during an interview with Fox Sports. According to the former fighter, mentioning personal matters may have gone beyond the scope of fight promotion and created an extra motivating factor for the champion.

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“ Justin Gaethje is extremely competitive and doesn’t like hearing people suggest that a rival will easily defeat him. And the comment he made about Ilia’s divorce won’t be well received by Topuria either. Now this has become personal,” analyzed the two-time UFC champion on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier.

The fight between the two most important names in the division is seen as one of the most explosive clashes in recent UFC history. Undefeated in professional MMA, Topuria won the lightweight belt after relinquishing the featherweight title and moving up a division. Gaethje, on the other hand, has been interim champion twice and is looking to win the undisputed title for the first time.

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

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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.