Justin Gaethje is confidently setting his sights on a thrilling showdown with Ilia Topuria, believing it will be the centerpiece of one of the most monumental events in UFC history. Fresh from an impressive victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, where he secured his status as a two-time interim lightweight champion, Gaethje has made his intentions clear: he wants to fight on the much-anticipated UFC White House card scheduled for June 14. Although no formal offer has come his way just yet, recent comments from Topuria indicating his return have sparked optimism for this matchup.
"Ilia Topuria has to be on the White House card. There’s no other option," Gaethje expressed during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He vividly imagines walking out from the Oval Office and into the octagon draped in the American flag, a vision he's been vocal about since his bout with Rafael Fiziev last year. Initially, he had anticipated facing Topuria in January, hoping to defend his title at the White House event in June.
"Plans can change, and not everything is within my control. Ilia had to step back due to personal matters, but I still had the opportunity to compete for an interim championship, which allows me to claim a championship title on paper and sets me up for a potential clash with Topuria in June."
In terms of the event's lineup, Gaethje is adamant that there’s no better choice than him facing Topuria in the main event, as he believes he represents American fighting on one of the biggest stages imaginable. Additionally, Gaethje understands his marketability within the UFC, recalling how an interim title fight was chosen to headline the inaugural Paramount+ event over a highly touted undisputed championship match between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
"I genuinely believe we will headline this event, and I’m confident about that," Gaethje affirmed. "While I’m speculating and throwing ideas out there, what other fights could take precedence? They chose to place me above Nunes and Harrison, which speaks volumes. It’s hard to imagine not being the headline."
The conversation naturally turned to the possibility of being a co-main event if the legendary Conor McGregor decides to make his comeback after five years away from the Octagon. McGregor has expressed his intention to compete on the UFC White House card and has been training diligently, awaiting confirmation from the UFC.
Gaethje welcomed the idea of facing McGregor as well, expressing his desire to ensure he remains part of the main event, regardless of the circumstances. "If McGregor is coming back, then he’ll be facing me, and we’ll still be the main event, regardless of how it shakes out," Gaethje said. "If Ilia doesn’t return and gets stripped of his title, I will become the undisputed champion, and then McGregor can fight whomever he chooses. That’s another option we could consider."
