Topuria Fires Back at Gaethje's Father Before June 14 UFC Title Unification

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 2

Ilia Topuria answered John Ray Gaethje's “little short guy” jab with a social-media warning ahead of their June 14 lightweight title unification at UFC White House.
Topuria wrote that he has heard the same doubts from “bigger” and “stronger” men before, adding “Your son already knows who I am” and signing off with “18-0 PAPA.”
The exchange began after Justin Gaethje posted camp footage showing his father predicting a familiar outcome, citing Gaethje's past success against smaller lightweights such as Michael Chandler and Rafael Fiziev.
The bout will match Topuria's unbeaten 17-0 record and full lightweight title against Gaethje's interim belt, won in January by beating Paddy Pimblett after Topuria's layoff for personal issues.

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