Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje (Photo by Imagn Images)

UFC Star Backs Ilia Topuria To Knock Out Justin Gaethje In Round 1: 'Send Him To The Moon'

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 2:38 AM ET

While there are many finishers in the UFC, from Derrick Lewis to Alex Pereira, no one comes as close as Ilia Topuria, given the fact that he has outclassed three legendary champions one after the other. From Alexander Volkanovski to Charles Oliveira, Topuria has shown his class in two different weight classes. Now, talking about a potential Justin Gaethje fight, Colby Covington feels the new interim champ won’t survive Round 1.

Covington said he sees the undefeated Spaniard knocking him out within a minute and doesn’t think ‘The Highlight’ will last that long. He added that the way the new interim champ ducks his head in his defense, Topuria will land an uppercut and put his lights off.

In his words, “I see Ilia knocking him out within a minute. I don’t think Justin will last longer than a minute. The way he ducks his head, Ilia’s going to land an uppercut on him, and he’s going to send him to the moon.”

Colby Covington believes Ilia Topuria will finish Justin Gaethje within a minute

"I see Ilia knocking him out within a minute. I don’t think Justin will last longer than a minute. The way he ducks his head, Ilia’s going to land an uppercut on him, and he’s going to send him… pic.twitter.com/EeGpVEebiB
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 31, 2026

While Gaethje does have some of the most beautiful strikes in the UFC, which he showed against Paddy Pimblett, a fight with Topuria would be very different. The champ has well-rounded grappling and striking skills, making him the toughest challenge of Gaethje’s career, apart from the Khabib Nurmagomedov fight, which he fought really well.

Justin Gaethje Set His Sights On Ilia Topuria’s Title

Ilia Topuria (Image Credits: Imagn)

After winning the interim title, Gaethje said he isn’t satisfied because he still sees it as second place. He admitted it’s a big achievement and noted that being a two-time interim champion makes him a champion on paper. Even so, he said he can’t allow himself to be content, just as he wasn’t the last time.

In his words, “I’m not satisfied because it is, in my mind, still second place. However, I do know it’s a great achievement. In history, I’m gonna be a two-time interim champion, which on paper makes me a champion. In this one specific area, I have to be pessimistic and not be content because, obviously, same as last time.”

While there have been many double champions in the UFC, from Conor McGregor to Ilia Topuria, there is only one two-time interim champion. However, despite making history, he still doesn’t feel content with his career yet.

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

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