Ilia Topuria and interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje delivered the most volatile moment of Friday’s UFC White House pre-fight event, as Topuria shoved Gaethje seconds into their faceoff on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Topuria, appearing on stage holding two UFC title belts, initiated the physical contact shortly after the staredown began ahead of Sunday’s UFC White House card. UFC president Dana White immediately stepped between the fighters after the shove and did not allow them to face off again.
Gaethje verbally fired back at Topuria following the incident, saying, "You want to act like a f*cking animal?" and "Like an emotional little animal." Topuria, still holding the belts, responded, "It’s mine boy," and "It looks much better on me."
The charged atmosphere extended beyond the main grudge. Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane also faced off, with Pereira holding two belts and drawing a large ovation from the crowd. Sean O’Malley and Aiemann Zahabi shared an intense faceoff of their own, with O’Malley stating he would score a knockout.
The pre-fight press conference and faceoffs set the tone for Sunday’s UFC White House card in dramatic fashion at one of Washington D.C.’s most iconic landmarks.
