Jorge Masvidal believes the upcoming bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje could end in brutal fashion.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is set to face interim champion Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in the main event of the UFC’s planned White House card, dubbed “Freedom 250,” on June 14. The bout will unify the lightweight titles, with Topuria entering as the reigning champion and Gaethje holding the interim belt.
Topuria heads into the matchup in dominant form. “El Matador” has scored consecutive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous finishers in the history of the sport.
Gaethje, meanwhile, captured the interim belt with a five-round victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January. The win helped him rebound from a devastating last-second knockout loss to Holloway at UFC 300 in 2024.
Speaking on his podcast, Death Row MMA, Masvidal said he expects Topuria to deliver an even more decisive finish than Holloway managed against Gaethje.
“Gaethje didn't look bad in the fight, but he also didn't look phenomenal,” Masvidal said. “I think Ilia does Gaethje even worse (than Holloway did), you know? He does it even worse. He’s on another level.”
Masvidal also pointed to his experience training with Topuria as the reason for his confidence in the champion.
“I've trained with Ilia plenty since his first UFC fight,” Masvidal said. “I was calling him back then. This guy's going to be champ. I'm telling you, he's going to beat the f***ing brakes (off Gaethje).”
Masvidal went even further with his prediction, suggesting the fight could mark the end of Gaethje’s career.
“He retires Homer Simpson that day. He'll never come back in the fight (game),” Masvidal said. “I mean, Homer Simpson's going to f***ing… he’s not walking out alive. I think he just flatlines him.”
