Justin Gaethje cites fight against Ilia Topuria as the only option at UFC Casa Branca.

The interim champion believes that a duel against the Georgian is the only possible scenario to headline the historic card planned for the US presidential residence.

Gabriel Reis

08/02/2026 | 13:08

Businessman indicates possibility of fight between Ilia Topuria (left) and Justin gaethje. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Justin gaethje He is convinced that fate points to a confrontation of great proportions against Ilia Topuria at UFC Casa Branca. Former BMF champion, the American won the interim title by winning Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 324 and sees the sequence of events as clear signs that he is on track to star in the historic card, with the mission of representing his country at the event planned for the lawn of the United States presidential residence.

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During an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show', Gaethje stated that a fight against Topuria at the symbolic venue would be the ideal scenario for his career. According to him, the idea of ​​going straight from the Oval Office to the octagon, carrying the American flag, is something he's been visualizing since his fight against [opponent's name]. Raphael FizievBack in 2025, the plan was to face the Georgian fighter at the start of the 2026 season and defend the belt on the White House card.

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"Ilia Topuria "It has to be at the White House. There's no other option. Going straight from the Oval Office to the cage wearing the flag… I can't think of anything better. I've been telling the universe this since I fought (Rafael) Fiziev last year. I thought it would be Topuria in January and that I would defend my belt on the White House card," said Gaethe.

Justin also acknowledged that plans needed to be adjusted along the way. With Topuria temporarily stepping away for personal reasons, Gaethje ended up fighting for the interim belt, a result that makes him the interim champion and, in his view, keeps alive the possibility of a fight between the two in June at the special event in Washington.

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"Things change, you can't control everything. Ilia stepped back for personal reasons, I fought for an interim belt, which made me champion on paper and gives me..." Ilia Topuria "At the White House in June," concluded the interim champion.

Relive the victory that made Justin Gaethje the new interim UFC champion.

Gaethje and Pimblett have a tense face-off at UFC.

Gaethje and Pimblett have a tense face-off at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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Despite being 37 years old, which is an advanced age to compete, Gaethje shows no sign of slowing down. On the contrary, the veteran set an intense pace in the fight and pressured Paddy from start to finish.

Aggressive and powerful, the American delivered knockdowns to 'The Baddy' and frequently rocked him. 'The Highlight's' superiority in the fight was so great that the Englishman left with his face and body severely bruised.

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