Justin Gaethje is leaving nothing to chance in his quest to reclaim the UFC throne, and he’s already set his sights on what could be the most monumental fight of his career. But here’s where it gets bold: Gaethje is dead set on unifying titles with Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House card—an event rumored to be the biggest in the promotion’s history. Fresh off a commanding victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, where he secured his second interim lightweight championship, Gaethje isn’t just dreaming big—he’s speaking it into existence.
While he hasn’t officially received an offer yet, Gaethje’s confidence got a boost when Topuria recently announced his return, potentially clearing the path for their highly anticipated matchup. ‘Ilia Topuria on the White House card—it has to be. No other option,’ Gaethje declared on The Pat McAfee Show. ‘Walking out of the Oval Office, into the cage, wearing the flag—I’ve been manifesting this since my fight with [Rafael] Fiziev last year.’
And this is the part most people miss: Gaethje’s vision originally included facing Topuria in January, followed by defending his belt at the White House card in June. But life, as he puts it, ‘changes up.’ Topuria’s personal setbacks delayed the plan, yet Gaethje remained undeterred, securing another interim title and keeping his championship dreams alive. ‘I’m a champion on paper, which puts me right where I need to be—facing Ilia in June,’ he explained.
When it comes to the card’s lineup, Gaethje sees only one logical spot for this fight: the main event. ‘I’m representing America on the biggest stage in the sport,’ he said. And he’s not just talking big—the UFC has already demonstrated his value by placing his interim title fight above an undisputed championship bout between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison on Paramount+. ‘They put me above the biggest fight in women’s MMA. Why wouldn’t I headline this?’ he questioned.
But here’s where it gets controversial: What if Conor McGregor, the former two-division champion, makes his long-awaited return at the White House card? McGregor has been vocal about his plans to fight in June, and Gaethje isn’t backing down. ‘If it’s McGregor, then McGregor’s going to fight me, and we’ll still be the main event,’ he stated. ‘No matter what, I’m headlining.’
Gaethje’s unwavering confidence and strategic vision make this a fight fans can’t afford to miss. But the question remains: Will it be Topuria or McGregor standing across from him in June? And more importantly, does Gaethje’s bold prediction hold up, or is he overlooking potential pitfalls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to sit out.
