Ilia Topuria updates his record and boldly predicts victory over Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria has already visualized his victory over Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House event. “El Matador” is set to return to the Octagon on June 14 at the historic card promoted by Dana White in Washington. Awaiting him will be “The Highlight,” a seasoned and dangerous figure in the division, yet the Spanish Georgian fighter already sees himself as the winner. His confidence is reflected in his latest Instagram bio, where the undefeated double champion of the world’s leading MMA promotion simply wrote: “18-0.”

This kind of mindset is nothing new for Topuria. Before his fight against Alexander Volkanovski, he famously updated his profile to “15-0” ahead of stepping into the cage with “The Great.” That ritual has brought him good fortune so far. He remains unbeaten as a professional and has already become the tenth double champion in UFC history.

The clash with Gaethje comes amid rising tension with Islam Makhachev. The Spanish Georgian champion recently engaged in a heated back and forth with the Dagestani fighter and his team, sending a blunt message after announcing the bout against the American:

“Once again, someone else will pay for Islam running away. Both managers are bitches and ugly too. Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not one to humiliate people. It will be quick. When you wake up, it will all be over,” he posted on X.

Now based in Madrid, Topuria is heading into the most important fight of his career. Defending his belt against Justin Gaethje would not only cement his status as a double champion, but also elevate him into true legend territory. A victory at the UFC’s White House event would significantly strengthen his case as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time and could have a transformative impact on MMA in Spain. Known for shaking the sport, Topuria once again stands on the verge of making history with another defining mission ahead.