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Topuria shoves Gaethje at White House press conference before UFC fight
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Sports

Topuria shoves Gaethje at White House press conference before UFC fight

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria shoved interim title holder Justin Gaethje at a press conference in Washington D.C. before their fight on Sunday.
  • The event, UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled to take place on the White House South Lawn as part of American independence celebrations.
  • Gaethje responded to the shove by laughing and questioning Topuria's behavior in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Ilia Topuria, the lightweight champion, shoved interim title holder Justin Gaethje during a final news conference held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The incident occurred just days before their unification fight, scheduled for Sunday.

Look where we're at, look at this beautiful view and you want to act like an animal?

— Justin GaethjeGaethje's response to Topuria shoving him at the press conference.

After both fighters predicted victory, Topuria, 29, pushed Gaethje, who reacted with laughter. UFC president Dana White intervened to separate the fighters. Gaethje questioned Topuria's actions, saying, "Look where we're at, look at this beautiful view and you want to act like an animal?"

Earlier, Topuria had confidently stated he would knock Gaethje out in the first round. The event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, is a unique show set to occur on the White House South Lawn, coinciding with celebrations for 250 years of American independence and U.S. President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The fighters were honored with a guard of honor by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.

I know I'm best in the world, in two days we're going to share the same place. I know I'm the best, just prove me wrong if you can.

— Ilia TopuriaTopuria's pre-fight prediction and statement of confidence.

The press conference also featured a less tense exchange between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira, who will compete for the interim heavyweight title. Should Pereira win, he would be the first fighter in UFC history to hold belts in three different divisions. Topuria had previously praised Pereira, calling him a "goat" (greatest of all time).

He's the goat already. One of the goats already, because we have many in this sport. He's going to join that list without any doubt.

— Ilia TopuriaTopuria's praise for Alex Pereira's achievements.

The event faced potential weather disruptions, with thunderstorms forecast for Washington D.C. UFC president Dana White expressed frustration with weather concerns, emphasizing that the fight would proceed on Sunday regardless of conditions, with lightning being the only significant threat. This marks the first professional live sporting event to be held on the White House grounds.

we are fighting on Sunday on the White House lawn, no matter what

— Dana WhiteUFC president Dana White's vow that the event will proceed despite weather concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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