Ilia Topuria recalls face-off with Charles Oliveira and makes a revelation before UFC White House.

Ilia Topuria celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Ilia Topuria returns to the octagon this Sunday (14), when he puts the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) on ​​the line against Justin gaethje in the main fight of UFC White House, in Washington DC (USA). On the eve of the confrontation, the champion recalled the phrase said to Charles of the Bronx during the face-off before the UFC 317 and explained why he apologized to the Brazilian at that moment.

In an interview with the channel Daniel Cormier On YouTube, the Georgian revealed that he would initially face Islam makhachev in the fight for the lightweight title. However, after the then-title holder changed his plans, the UFC designated Charles as his opponent in the fight that crowned the new champion, in June of last year.

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“Originally, I was going to fight Islam for the lightweight title, and when he decided to change his mind, I received a call from the UFC informing me that it would be Charles. So I thought, 'Look, I didn't want you to fight me because I knew what was going to happen.' I said, 'I'm sorry,'” the lightweight champion recounted.

Subsequently, Topuria made a point of highlighting his admiration for the Brazilian, even after defeating him in the title fight. The Georgian stated that Charles is one of the most respected people he has met throughout his career in the sport and stressed that his affection for the former champion remains the same.

"I like the guy. Charles is really cool. He's one of the best human beings I've ever met in sports," he added.

UFC White House

O UFC White House, also called UFC Freedom 250The concert will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington DC. Unlike usual, the show will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main fight UFC White House, the Spanish Ilia Topuria He defends his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against the interim title holder, the American. Justin gaethje.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatán will be highlighted in UFC White HousePhoto: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil will be represented at UFC White HouseIn the co-main fight of the attraction, Alex Poatán He attempts an unprecedented feat. Former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, Poatan seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against the Frenchman. Cyryl Gane.

In addition to Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy e Diego lopes These are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. They face Michael chandler e Steve Garciarespectively.

UFC White House fight schedule

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.): Ilia Topuria x Justin gaethje – Fight for the belt

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg.): Alex Poatán x Cyryl Gane – Fight for the interim belt

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

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg.): Josh Hokit x Derrick Lewis

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg.): Michael chandler x Mauricio Ruffy

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg.): Kyle Daukaus x BoNickal

Feather weight (up to 65,7 kg.): Steve Garcia x Diego lopes