Justin Gaethje points out that Topuria set a trap for himself at UFC Casa Branca.

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

PUBLICITY:

Justin Gaethje believes that Ilia Topuria may have set a trap for himself by projecting an early finish to the main event of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for next Sunday (14). The two will face each other for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), and the Spaniard has already made it clear that he intends to end the fight with a knockout in the first round, a prediction that the American disagrees with.

During the event's media day, Gaethje recalled that he had been underestimated before, citing his fight against Paddy Pimblett , when he was also considered the underdog and ended up winning. In the fighter's view, Topuria may pose a threat in the opening minutes, not necessarily due to technical superiority, but because of the unpredictability characteristic of MMA.

See too

Alex Poatan reveals who he's rooting for in the World Cup, on the eve of UFC Casa Branca.

Can you imagine? UFC champion appears in front of the White House and offers himself as a backup to Topuria or Gaethje.

Diego Lopes clarifies 'challenge' to Charles Oliveira for UFC BMF belt: 'They took it out of context'

“He’s wrong about me so many times. When he heard I was going to fight Paddy Pimbley, he said I had zero chance. And I won that fight. I don’t know what he thinks. He definitely could knock me out in the first few minutes. It’s not because he’s much better than me, it’s because this sport is so crazy and anything can happen,” said Justin Gaethje.

Still, Gaethje believes his opponent has put extra pressure on him by promising a quick knockout, as he will have to manage his own expectations if the fight goes on for longer. In contrast, the American insists he is prepared for a long fight, expecting a true 25-minute war.

“He put pressure on himself. Because if we go to the second round, how is he going to justify that to himself? How is he going to justify that to himself when it should already be over in his mind? I don't go in with those expectations. I expect a 25-minute war and I expect that I have to dig deep and overcome a lot of adversity,” concluded the interim champion.

See photos of how UFC White House will work.

UFC octagon set up with the White House in the background. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

PUBLICITY:

UFC Fan Fest set up on the White House lawn. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

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 , Spaniard 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 will be 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 is seeking 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. They face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.

UFC White House fight schedule

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – Title fight

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Alex Poatan vs. Ciryl Gane – Interim title fight

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Kyle Daukaus x Bo Nickal

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steve Garcia vs. Diego Lopes

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.