Justin Gaethje Explains Why Beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 Would Erase Need for Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira Rematches
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Justin Gaethje (right) believes a win against Ilia Topuria would erase the need for rematches against Max Holloway (left) and Charles Oliveira.
UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje recently stated in an interview that a win over his upcoming opponent, Ilia Topuria, would erase the need to avenge his previous losses to Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway.
Topuria and Gaethje are set to clash in a title unification bout in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14. The fight will mark the first defense of Topuria’s lightweight title. Meanwhile, at 37 years old, Gaethje is likely facing his final opportunity to capture undisputed UFC gold.
‘El Matador’ enters the bout on the back of consecutive knockout victories over Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, two opponents who have previously defeated Gaethje. As a result, ‘The Highlight’ believes a win over the 29-year-old would eliminate the need for rematches against either of his former rivals. Gaethje said:
“With a win over Topuria, I can wipe away the Holloway and Oliveira fights. What an opportunity. If I’m not perfect that night, then I never should’ve been there.”
Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments below:
Justin Gaethje says a win over Ilia Topuria would erase the sting of his last two UFC losses.
— The Fight Fanatic (@FightFanatic_) June 2, 2026
🗣️ “With a win over Topuria, I can wipe away the Holloway and Oliveira fights. What an opportunity. If I'm not perfect that night, then I never should've been there.” 😳🔥… pic.twitter.com/MgGOkhuBJx
Justin Gaethje’s Father Makes Bold Prediction for Ilia Topuria Fight Ahead of UFC Freedom 250
Justin Gaethje’s father, John, has publicly stated that his son has performed well against opponents with a similar height and build to Topuria, citing his victories over Michael Chandler and Rafael Fiziev as examples. 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 Justin Gaethje’s father’s comments below:
Both Chandler and Fiziev are comparable in height to the Georgian-Spaniard. However, Topuria is used to fighting taller fighters throughout his career. His wins against Holloway and Oliveira, two fighters who are significantly taller than him, speak volumes about Topuria’s abilities.
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