Topuria is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/iliatopuria
If it were up to Ilia Topuria , the lightweight title fight (up to 70,3kg) at UFC Casa Branca would hardly go to the judges' decision. The Georgian, who faces Justin Gaethje in the main event this Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA), believes that the clash between two of the most dangerous strikers in the category will produce a decisive outcome.
During his appearance on Embedded, a UFC-produced series that follows the behind-the-scenes action of major events, the lightweight champion expressed confidence when analyzing the challenge. In his view, both fighters' styles favor a fast-paced fight, with few opportunities for a run-of-the-mill approach. Known for his aggressiveness and high knockout rate, Topuria believes the fight has the potential to deliver moments of great intensity from the very beginning.
See too
“When you put together two guys who represent our style, the result is explosive. One of us is going to get burned in this fire, and it won’t be me,” stated the two-time UFC champion.
The statement reinforces the stance adopted by the Georgian throughout his preparation. Since deciding to aim for the top of the lightweight division, 'El Matador' has maintained that he possesses the necessary tools to overcome any opponent in the category. This discourse is backed by his current form in the octagon, where he has accumulated nine victories and maintains his undefeated record in MMA.
On the other side, Gaethje arrives with a track record built on high-intensity fights. The interim lightweight champion has stood out throughout his career for the power of his strikes, physical stamina, and ability to pressure opponents from start to finish. With characteristics that usually lead to dynamic fights, the two protagonists fuel the expectation of a clash capable of decisively defining the champion.
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
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
Comments