Topuria shoves Gaethje at Lincoln Memorial ahead of historic UFC White House event
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria pushed Justin Gaethje during the final news conference before Sunday's unprecedented show at the White House, with Gaethje laughing it off.
At the final news conference before the UFC's first-ever event at the White House, lightweight champion Ilia Topuria shoved interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Gaethje responded by laughing, while UFC president Dana White separated them with a wry smile. "Look where we're at, look at this beautiful view and you want to act like an animal?" Gaethje said to Topuria.
Earlier, Topuria, 29, predicted he would knock out Gaethje in the first round. "I know I'm the best in the world... just prove me wrong if you can," he said. The press conference took place in Washington DC, two days before "UFC Freedom 250" on the White House South Lawn. The event coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
The fighters were greeted by a guard of honour from the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets. Tensions were high between Topuria and Gaethje, but little was exchanged between France's Ciryl Gane and Brazil's Alex Pereira, who will fight for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event. Pereira could become the first UFC fighter to win belts in three divisions. Topuria called Pereira a GOAT (greatest of all time) for his accomplishments.
The news conference was interrupted several times by heavyweight Josh Hokit, causing Topuria to ask for his microphone to be turned off. It was delayed by about an hour due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms are forecast for Washington DC on Sunday, which could cause delays. White, who dislikes outdoor events because of weather unpredictability, stated that the show will go on regardless, except for lightning. He said he is "sick and tired" of hearing about the weather.
The UFC has spent approximately $60 million on the event. White described it as potentially "the biggest and most historic sporting event of all time." On Friday, a judge rejected a federal lawsuit that alleged the event would break the law by using national monuments for private gain.
