UFC Freedom 250: Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Preview & Prediction
The lightweight strap is up for grabs in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, with Ilia Topuria making his first defense of the 155 pound title against interim champion, Justin Gaethje.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje facts
What time are Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Freedom 250? White House, Washington, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Freedom 250? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Freedom 250
What TV channel is UFC Freedom 250 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Paramount
Where can I stream UFC Freedom 250? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and HBO Max / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Freedom 250 card
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje (Lightweight)
Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane (Heavyweight)
Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi (Bantamweight)
Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis (Heavyweight)
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler (Lightweight)
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus (Middleweight)
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia (Featherweight)
Ilia Topuria: Will "El Matador" continue his journey towards GOAT status?
Widely touted as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history and arguably the best fighter currently plying his trade in the UFC, two weight division champion, Ilia Topuria (17-0), returns for his first fight since decimating Charles Oliveira to win the UFC lightweight strap in his most recent appearance. With seven finishes in nine UFC fights, "El Matador" has been on a legendary run, taking out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and the aforementioned Oliveira back-to-back to win titles at 145 and 155 pounds across his last three fights. Originally a grappler, the relentlessly confident Topuria has evolved into one of the most fearsome KO artists in UFC history, leveraging an elite boxing game and nuclear power to leave his opponents crumpled on the mat in his wake.
Justin Gaethje: Does "The Highlight" have one more showstopper left in him?
Universally regarded as one of the most entertaining fighters in the history of the sport, interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje (27-5) returns for his third, and likely final, shot at the 155 pound title. Arriving in the UFC as an undefeated export from WSOF, Gaethje has fought a murderer's row of competition at 155 pounds since, evolving from an all out brawler to a more technical striker along the way. He's currently tied with Joe Lauzon, Donald Cerrone, and Jim Miller for the most post fight bonuses in UFC lightweight history, a testament to the all-action style he brings to the cage. Many wrote the aging American off against Paddy Pimblett in his last fight, only for Gaethje to produce a vintage performance to stop "The Baddy" in his tracks and earn one final shot at lightweight glory.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje prediction
Make no mistake; if Gaethje can walk away with a victory here, it will be the greatest upset in UFC history. Shockingly, there's more than a few people picking him to do so as well, with Sean Strickland's recent success against the seemingly invincible Khamzat Chimaev as a massive underdog likely playing a factor in such predictions.
Unfortunately for "The Highlight," I just don't see it. Topuria is one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport, a terrifying force who has brutalized almost everybody that the UFC has put in front of him. One of the best boxers in the entire promotion, he's an elite striker with an iron chin and legitimate one-shot power in his fists. Furthermore, he's as well-rounded as he is dangerous. In addition to being a BJJ black belt with eight submission victories, Merab Dvalishvili, one of the greatest takedown artists in UFC history, has gone on record to state that even he is unable to wrestle "El Matador" to the ground.
Moreover, Gaethje's track record doesn't look great when making an argument for an upset. "The Highlight" got dropped and choked out by Charles Oliveira and was flatlined by Max Holloway with a last second knockout in a fight he was losing badly. Topuria effortlessly shucked off "Do Bronx's" grappling before sleeping him with a KOTY contender, and also became the first man to score a TKO victory over "Blessed." Throw in the fact that Gaethje also just had competitive striking exchanges with a notoriously goofy kickboxer in Paddy Pimblett last time out and the odds look even more unfavorable.
There's an alternate universe where Gaethje's overhands and leg kicks see him to an improbable victory, but I don't think it's this one. "El Matador" lands a crushing KO blow in the early goings - potentially an uppercut, given Gaethje's tendency to duck his head - to add another name to an already legendary resume.
Prediction: Ilia Topuria to win by KO
