Justin Gaethje is a heavy underdog in the UFC White House main event but that hasn’t shaken his confidence as he vowed to end Ilia Topuria’s run as champion when they clash on Sunday.
Just 24 hours before the card kicks off, Topuria and Gaethje faced off one final time at the ceremonial weigh-ins but this time UFC CEO Dana White didn’t let the fighters get anywhere near each other after he was surprised by a shove from “El Matador” that capped off the pre-fight press conference on Friday.
This time around there was just a tense faceoff with Gaethje then delivering his prediction for what he has called his final chance to become an undisputed UFC champion.
“I was absolutely made for this shit right here,” Gaethje shouted to the crowd. “I am blessed to be in this position that I am and I will take his ‘O’ from him tomorrow night. You watch.”
For his part, Topuria was much more subdued at the ceremonial weigh-ins after he was fired up during the UFC White House press conference.
The reigning and defending UFC lightweight champion soaked in the moment and explained what Sunday night’s fight means to him.
“Since I was a kid I always heard this little call ‘the American dream,’” Topuria said. “I never really understood the meaning of that word. But tomorrow night, we are going to live the American dream.
“I’m going to get another victory. 18-0. I’m going to get that victory with fashion. See you tomorrow night. Let’s go.”
In the co-main event, Alex Pereira received the biggest ovation of the night as he stared down Ciryl Gane before they meet with the interim heavyweight title going up for grabs. Pereira is seeking to become the first ever three-division champion in UFC history after already capturing gold at light heavyweight and middleweight.
The spiciest faceoff on Saturday came from the heavyweights as Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis got a little too close to comfort with security eventually pulling them apart before the situation escalated any further. Hokit put on a bizarre performance at the UFC White House press conference and that only seemed to fire up Lewis even more for the fight.
Hokit is seeking to stay undefeated after his potential Fight of the Year win over Curtis Blaydes while Lewis was a late addition after President Donald Trump personally requested his presence and White booked the matchup as the seventh and final fight on the card.
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