Makhachev backs Topuria but warns Gaethje is no pushover ahead of UFC White House

Islam Makhachev has backed Ilia Topuria to beat Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14, while cautioning that the Georgian star’s nearly 8-1 favourite status may underestimate what Gaethje brings to the cage.

Speaking on UFC Eurasia, the welterweight champion said he expects a stoppage but urged fans not to dismiss the American challenger. “I’m not counting Gaethje out,” Makhachev said. “He’s an old warhorse with a lot of experience. But Topuria is younger. I believe this fight definitely won’t go the distance, and I’m leaning towards Topuria winning.”

Topuria and Gaethje meet in the card’s main event to unify the lightweight titles — Topuria holds the undisputed belt, while Gaethje carries interim gold into the bout. Despite the significant age and odds gap between the two fighters, Makhachev’s framing suggests he sees more danger in Gaethje than the bookmakers do.

A Topuria victory would likely reignite calls for a Makhachev–Topuria superfight, a matchup that has been discussed for well over a year. Reports had previously indicated the bout was considered for UFC White House itself, though negotiations collapsed, with each fighter’s camp publicly blaming the other for the breakdown.

Makhachev was deliberately evasive when pressed on whether a Topuria win on June 14 would finally bring that fight to fruition. “There’s a lot of talk, a lot of discussion about this fight,” he said. “But Topuria himself and his team know why the Topuria vs. Makhachev fight won’t happen at the White House.”

The June 14 card also features an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.