Ilia Topuria’s ‘special rose’ for Justin Gaethje revealed in new UFC White House promo: ‘So cold’

Ilia Topuria has made a slight adjustment to his usual pre-fight ritual.

The UFC lightweight champion is just 15 days away from his return to action, having not competed inside the Octagon since his knockout victory over Charles Oliveira last June.

Topuria’s brutal win over the Brazilian extended his legendary run inside the cage. He will now attempt to add Justin Gaethje to a list of victims that also includes Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

For his wins in the UFC so far, ‘El Matador’ has had a red rose for his fallen opponents. However, for the UFC White House event, the champ has made a change.

Ilia Topuria has a special white rose for Justin Gaethje ahead of their UFC White House main event

During a 2023 interview with The Schmo, Topuria explained the significance of his red roses.

“So, it’s a respect I showed for my opponents after the fight. I’ll leave the rose in the Octagon; that’s just showing the respect,” he said.

The latest promo for the upcoming UFC event at the White House revealed that Topuria will be switching up his routine, instead bringing a white rose for Gaethje.

“Justin will fall at the White House,” Topuria said.

“I have a special rose just for him,” he added, before laying the rose in front of a picture of Gaethje that was next to some of the Spaniard’s past victims.

The organization was widely criticized for their past promo videos for the UFC White House card on June 14, with the use of AI causing uproar.

But the new promo received a much more positive reception from fans on social media.