Updated

Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 6

Usman Nurmagomedov Dismisses UFC Freedom 250 Hype, Says 17-0 Topuria Is 'Not So Famous'

Updated

Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 6

Usman Nurmagomedov Dismisses UFC Freedom 250 Hype, Says 17-0 Topuria Is 'Not So Famous'

Q: Can underdog Justin Gaethje defy massive odds to dethrone the undefeated champion Ilia Topuria at this historic White House event?

Yes, but it would be a major upset. Gaethje has a real path to victory because MMA is volatile and he remains one of the division’s most dangerous punchers and leg-kickers. Usman Nurmagomedov, despite noting the lack of hype around the bout, said Gaethje has the tools to beat Ilia Topuria if he stays disciplined, mixes in wrestling and grappling, and attacks Topuria’s movement with leg kicks. That view aligns with the broader case for Gaethje: pressure, damage, and chaos are where he is most dangerous. Still, the evidence strongly favors Topuria. He enters UFC Freedom 250 unbeaten at 17-0, already a two-division champion, and is coming off knockout wins over elite former champions including Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. Oddsmakers reflect that gap, installing Topuria as a heavy favorite around -750, with Gaethje near +460. Topuria is younger, cleaner technically, and has shown elite finishing ability against the sport’s best. Gaethje’s chance depends on making the fight ugly early, forcing exchanges, damaging Topuria’s legs, and avoiding a clean boxing match where Topuria’s precision and timing are likely to take over. Gaethje also has championship experience and earned this shot by beating Paddy Pimblett, so he is not an unqualified challenger. At the White House event, Gaethje can absolutely defy the odds, but the most likely outcome remains a Topuria win. If Gaethje pulls it off, it would rank among the biggest upsets of his era.

2 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 6

Usman Nurmagomedov said he feels little buzz around UFC Freedom 250, arguing many fans do not even know when Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje will fight on June 14 at the White House.
Topuria enters the lightweight title unification bout at 17-0 in MMA and 9-0 in the UFC, but Nurmagomedov contrasted his profile with Khabib Nurmagomedov's blockbuster fights, saying even non-fans knew about Khabib vs. Conor McGregor.
Gaethje, the interim champion at 27-5, is viewed as a heavy underdog, yet Nurmagomedov said he still has a path to win through wrestling, grappling and leg kicks against Topuria.
The comments also served as a self-promotion pitch: Nurmagomedov, the 21-0 PFL lightweight champion, said he could 'fix' the UFC lightweight division's lack of public interest if he joined it.

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MMA Junkie2d ago

Usman Nurmagomedov: No Hype for UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria "Not So Famous"

AOL2d ago

Usman Nurmagomedov: No hype around UFC Freedom 250, Topuria 'not so famous' - AOL

Can underdog Justin Gaethje defy massive odds to dethrone the undefeated champion Ilia Topuria at this historic White House event?

Is UFC's $30 million loss for its White House debut a brilliant marketing move or a reckless gamble on brand prestige?

As a lawsuit challenges the event, what precedent is set for commercializing America's most iconic national landmarks for private gain?

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2 total

MMA Junkie2d ago

Usman Nurmagomedov: No Hype for UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria "Not So Famous"

AOL2d ago

Usman Nurmagomedov: No hype around UFC Freedom 250, Topuria 'not so famous' - AOL

Usman Nurmagomedov Dismisses UFC Freedom 250 Hype, Says 17-0 Topuria Is 'Not So Famous'

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