Islam Makhachev Predicts Topuria vs. Gaethje Outcome for UFC Freedom 250

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[MaeilDaily — Reporter Shim Jae-hee] Islam Makhachev, widely considered one of the top fighters in the UFC, previewed the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in Washington, D.C., set for the 15th (Korean time). He offered his prediction for the undisputed UFC lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.

In a recent interview with UFC Eurasia, Makhachev said the White House main event should be tight. \”Gaethje is a veteran with plenty of experience, but Topuria is younger,\” he said. \”It should be a great fight for the fans. I don’t think it will go to a decision — I expect Topuria to win.\”

Makhachev gave Topuria the edge, pointing to the Spaniard’s rise through the featherweight ranks and his run at lightweight. Still, he cautioned that Topuria won’t have an easy night; Gaethje, he said, will be a tough, relentless opponent.

If Topuria gets past Gaethje, it would set up a compelling Makhachev–Topuria matchup. A unification bout between Makhachev and Topuria was reportedly considered for the White House card. Makhachev remained noncommittal on that front, saying he wasn’t exactly sure why the fight hadn’t been made.

\”There’s a lot of talk about a Makhachev–Topuria fight,\” he added, \”but Topuria and his camp know why a fight with me wouldn’t happen at the White House.\” Makhachev suggested that Topuria — who stepped away from competition for roughly a year for personal reasons — likely has his own reasons for taking the Gaethje fight at the White House instead of facing Makhachev.

UFC Freedom 250 will be a double-title event. In the co-main, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will clash for the interim UFC heavyweight title. Pereira, who has held titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, is aiming to become the first fighter to capture belts in three divisions. Gane is looking to erase the disappointment of his no-contest with Tom Aspinall and reclaim championship status. Following Pereira vs. Gane, Topuria and Gaethje will close the card in an undisputed lightweight title unification fight.

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