Justin Gaethje has spoken his return to the top into existence, and now he believes the final piece is a title unification bout with Ilia Topuria on what could become the biggest card in UFC history.
Gaethje is coming off a dominant victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, a win that crowned him a two-time interim lightweight champion. Riding that momentum, Gaethje made it clear that he wants his next appearance to come at the UFC White House card scheduled for June 14. While the UFC has yet to present an official offer, Topuria’s recent declaration that he is “back” has fueled speculation that the long-anticipated clash is finally within reach.
“Ilia Topuria on the White House [card]. It has to be. No other option,” Gaethje said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Walking out of the Oval Office, into the cage, wearing the flag. I’ve been speaking [it] into existence since I fought [Rafael] Fiziev last year. I thought it would be Topuria in January, and then I would fight and defend my belt on the White House card in June.”
Gaethje acknowledged that the timeline shifted due to circumstances beyond his control, but he still believes everything has aligned in his favor.
“Things change up, can’t control everything. Ilia takes a step back, has some personal issues. I still get to fight for an interim championship, which makes me a champion on paper, which gives me Ilia Topuria on the White House in June.”
When it comes to placement on the card, Gaethje sees no debate. He believes a showdown with Topuria belongs in the main event, especially given the symbolic weight of representing the United States on such a historic stage.
Gaethje also pointed to his standing within the UFC, noting that the promotion previously placed his interim title fight atop the first-ever Paramount+ card, ahead of an undisputed championship bout between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
“I think we’re going to main event it,” Gaethje said. “I think we’ll be the main event. I’m totally guessing, throwing shit against the wall right now, but what else?
“They had me specifically above Amanda [Nunes] and Kayla [Harrison], and that’s the biggest fight in women’s MMA, and they had me above them. I can’t imagine [not headlining it].”
Naturally, Gaethje was also asked about the possibility of sharing the spotlight if former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor follows through on plans to return after five years away from competition. McGregor has repeatedly claimed he wants to fight on the White House card and has resumed full-time training while awaiting the UFC’s call.
“If it’s McGregor, then McGregor’s going to fight me, and we’ll be main event anyways,” Gaethje said. “If Ilia didn’t come back, they’d strip him, I’d become the undisputed [champion], and then McGregor gets to fight whoever he wants. I guess that would be an option.”
While fans debate the logistics, MMA veteran Michael Chandler has weighed in on the matchup itself, explaining why Topuria presents a serious challenge for Gaethje. Topuria currently holds the undisputed lightweight title, while Gaethje carries interim gold after his UFC 324 win, making a unification bout feel inevitable.
Although Topuria’s return timeline remains uncertain due to personal issues, signs of him resuming training have emerged. Chandler believes Gaethje will face one of the most dangerous tests of his career.
“It is tough,” Chandler told MMA Junkie. “I think Justin Gaethje is more technical versus a more technical opponent. Paddy has this unpredictable, herky-jerky, awkward style, which lends itself to fights being a little sloppier or more chaotic.
“You go back and watch Gaethje vs. [Dustin] Poirier, Gaethje vs. myself, Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson—traditional striker versus traditional striker—and he puts on a much more technical performance. With that being said, Ilia Topuria is easily the most talented and most dangerous guy in the entire UFC. It’s going to be a tall task, but being a little more cautious will be very good for Gaethje.”
As the UFC calendar takes shape, all signs point toward Gaethje standing at the center of the lightweight division once again, with history and possibly the White House, waiting on the other side.
