“18-0, Papa”: Ilia Topuria Responds to Justin Gaethje’s Father’s Bold UFC Freedom 250 Prediction
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Ilia Topuria (left) faces Justin Gaethje (right) at UFC Freedom 250. [Images via UFC]
Ilia Topuria has fired back at Justin Gaethje’s father, John, who recently shared insight on his son’s upcoming clash with Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14.
According to John, Justin has already mastered fighting opponents with a similar build to Topuria. He pointed to previous victories over Michael Chandler and Rafael Fiziev, both of whom are comparable in height to the reigning lightweight champion. In an interview, John said:
“Justin’s fighting another little short guy, and he’s done really well against Chandler, Fiziev, and a few others. I just see the same thing happening for this fight. This is what we trained for. This is what he put his whole life into.”
Check out John Gaethje’s comments below [via @FREAKMMA1 on X]:
Justin Gaethje's dad believes Ilia Topuria presents a matchup Justin has already mastered. 😳🔥
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) June 1, 2026
"Justin's fighting another little short guy, and he's done really well against Chandler, Fiziev, and a few others. I just see the same thing happening for this fight. This is what we… pic.twitter.com/8h77hDaTq9
Topuria was quick to respond to the above claim and wrote on X:
“Fathers hope. Champions know. I’ve heard this story before: bigger men, stronger men, better men. Men who said I was just a small guy who was about to get a lesson in humility. They all learned the truth the same way. Your son already knows who I am. On June 14th, you will too. 18-0 PAPA.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below [via @Topuriailia on X]:
Fathers hope. Champions know.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) June 2, 2026
I’ve heard this story before: bigger men, stronger men, better men. Men who said I was just a small guy who was about to get a lesson in humility.
They all learned the truth the same way.
Your son already knows who I am. On June 14th, you will… https://t.co/gh92btnpDG
Ilia Topuria is used to fighting taller opponents
Topuria’s words are not without merit. He has been underestimated for his size throughout his fighting career. However, ‘El Matador’ has managed to silence his doubters on every occasion.
Heading into the fight against Justin, Topuria has secured consecutive knockout victories over Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, two highly skilled fighters who are significantly taller than him. Despite his father’s claims, Justin will undoubtedly be aware of the 29-year-old’s knockout power when they step inside the octagon.
The bout presents ‘The Highlight’ with his final opportunity to secure undisputed UFC gold. Meanwhile, Topuria will be looking to extend his undefeated record to 18-0 with a dominant win at the White House lawn.
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