Ilia Topuria Says He Could Easily Wrestle Justin Gaethje But Chooses Violence Instead

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje (Image Credits: Imagn)

Ilia Topuria Says He Could Easily Wrestle Justin Gaethje But Chooses Violence Instead

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated May 27, 2026 2:33 AM ET

Ilia Topuria is heading into one of the biggest fights of his career with supreme confidence. And he plans to make it entertaining. Topuria is set to defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14. The matchup was officially confirmed earlier this year as part of the UFC’s historic Independence Day-themed card in Washington, D.C.

Ahead of the fight, Topuria explained why fans should not expect him to rely heavily on his grappling, despite holding a clear edge there on paper. “If I wanted, of course, I can take him down and do whatever I want to him,” Topuria said while discussing Gaethje. “But I really want to give the fans a show.”

The undefeated champion pointed to his fight against Max Holloway as proof of that mindset. Holloway is widely considered one of the greatest strikers in UFC history, yet Topuria chose to stand and exchange with him rather than hunt for takedowns and submissions. “With Max also, I could’ve taken him down, control him on the ground and submit him,” Topuria added. “But it wouldn’t be as exciting as it was.”

Ilia Topuria says he chooses not to use his wrestling because he wants to entertain the fans:

"If I wanted, of course I can take [Gaethje] down and do whatever I want to him. But I really want to give the fans a show.

With Max [Holloway] also, I could've taken him down, control… pic.twitter.com/l0qGcKaWKS
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 27, 2026

That mentality has quickly made Topuria one of the UFC’s biggest attractions. While most fans focus on his knockout power and sharp boxing, his wrestling and jiu-jitsu credentials are just as dangerous. Several opponents during his rise through the featherweight division struggled badly once the fight hit the mat.

Ilia Topuria Promises a Pure Striking Fight Against Justin Gaethje

Topuria also made it clear that he intends to approach Gaethje the same way. “That’s the same thing I’m planning to do with Justin,” he said. “It’s gonna be a pure striking fight. At least from my side.”

For fight fans, that is about as exciting as it gets. Justin Gaethje rarely backs away from a firefight, and Topuria seems more than willing to meet him there. Both men are known for their knockout ability, confidence, and willingness to trade in the pocket. On a card as massive as UFC Freedom 250, Topuria clearly wants a statement performance rather than a safe title defense.

Ilia Topuria (Image Credits: Imagn)

Whether that approach proves wise against someone as dangerous as Gaethje remains to be seen. But if Topuria sticks to his word, fans should expect fireworks the moment the cage door closes.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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