“Hurt You in the Fight” – Ilia Topuria Shoves and Warns Justin Gaethje During Lincoln Memorial Faceoff After Provocation

Ilia Topuria won't hold anything back in the UFC Freedom 250 main event bout against interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

“Hurt You in the Fight” – Ilia Topuria Shoves and Warns Justin Gaethje During Lincoln Memorial Faceoff After Provocation

Ilia Topuria lightly shoved Justin Gaethje before the security intervened (Image via Athlon Sports)

The build-up to the Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje lightweight title unification bout started normally. Gaethje understood his assignment, and Topuria expressed supreme confidence in his ability to get the victory. UFC Freedom 250 is the final chance for the American fighter to win the undisputed title.

As the fight week slowly approached, the respectful dynamics between the fighters started to fall part. Things got heated after Gaethje’s comment about Topuria’s divorce that unraveled in the public limelight. ‘El Matador’ promised to not show respect after defeating the interim champion at the White House.

This is a deviation from the respectful nature in which Topuria addresses his rivals after the fight. Things were cordial between him and previous opponents like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. Watching the presser from the Lincoln Memorial, tensions seemed to rise after the trash-talk between the main event fighters.

Once the press conference ended, it was time for the faceoffs with UFC CEO Dana White. Topuria asked Gaethje not to come closer, and the interim champion responded by asking if ‘El Matador’ would hit him.

Soon, the UFC boss had to ask them to hold back, but soon the Georgian-Spanish fighter shoved Gaethje lightly. This was after Gaethje told him that he was close enough to get hit. White and the security team didn’t let the sequence escalate. However, Topuria warned his rival at that moment.

I want to hurt you. Like I want to actually hurt you in the fight. That’s why I don’t punch you in the face.

Ilia Topuria told Justin Gaethje during the faceoffs

Justin Gaethje resorted to labeling Topuria as an “emotional little animal” as a response. Furthermore, ‘El Matador’ put the two belts on his shoulders and started flexing his accomplishments to Gaethje. As the security team was well prepared, Gaethje ended his trash-talk by addressing Topuria as “Lord Farquaad.”

The faceoff in front of the Lincoln Memorial is something that has never been done in the history of the promotion. With so much on the line, Topuria and Gaethje have the task of making weight as their next challenge before headlining the event on June 14.

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‘Regular’ Josh Hokit apologize to Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira before trash-talking

The first UFC Freedom 250 presser event became chaotic for how Josh Hokit insulted everyone with his unique style of trash-talking. Eventually, the insult towards Alex Pereira’s mother made Ilia Topuria angry.

The lightweight champion throwing a bottle at Hokit made Dana White ask the security to eject Hokit from the event. Later, Topuria vowed to beat up the heavyweight star despite the size disadvantage.

Josh Hokit angers Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira at the UFC Freedom 250 presser
Josh Hokit angered Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira at the UFC Freedom 250 presser [via Bloody Elbow]

Earlier this week, Hokit and his opponent, Derrick Lewis, were absent from the list of attendees for the press conference at Lincoln Memorial. However, the promotion clarified that the exclusion was a mistake and that Hokit was not banned.

During the press event, Hokit resorted to his usual trash-talking nature to insult the fighters on stage. However, he did somewhat apologize to Topuria and ‘Poatan’ by nervously holding back the gimmick.

I just want to apologize for ruining the press conference last time. I like Topuria, too. I like Pereira. Those are my favorite fighters, so I just want to apologize for all of that. I’m nervous right now. It’s just regular Josh today.

Josh Hokit via UFC Freedom 250 Lincoln Memorial press event

Hokit made it clear that he was holding back ‘The Incredible Hok’ back at that moment. He even went as far as to apologize to his opponent as well. Nevertheless, later on, he would go on to make fun of Topuria regarding his height and bring up his divorce incident as well.

‘El Matador’ didn’t let the situation escalate like last time and showed restrain. At one point, the Georgian-Spanish fighter asked Hokit to shut up. Moments like are opportunistic in nature as trading insults with a champion is free publicity. The heavyweight rising star made sure to once again grab the spotlight in front of top stars of the UFC.

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