“Cooked Him in Third Language” – Ilia Topuria Praised for Trash-Talking Mastery Over Justin Gaethje About ‘Best Coach’ Comment

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje argue over the level of their respective coaches at the Lincoln Memorial UFC Freedom 250 press conference.

“Cooked Him in Third Language” – Ilia Topuria Praised for Trash-Talking Mastery Over Justin Gaethje About ‘Best Coach’ Comment

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje take shots at each other (via Instagram)

Ilia Topuria entered the UFC in 2020 as an undefeated prospect who could barely speak English due to his Georgian and Spanish upbringing. In the years since, he has become one of MMA’s biggest stars, a two-division champion with a huge profile. Now, ahead of his UFC Freedom 250 title fight against Justin Gaethje, Topuria has continued his witty trash talk heading into their main event unification bout.

The initial exchanges between Topuria and Gaethje were largely respectful, with both fighters acknowledging each other’s accomplishments and the challenge awaiting them. Throughout the early stages of the promotion, the pair maintained a professional tone as they discussed the matchup. However, as UFC Freedom 250 has drawn closer, the relationship between the two has deteriorated.

At a UFC Freedom 250 media event held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Topuria and Gaethje were seated on opposite sides of one another. Gaethje was asked whether he had a game plan to defeat the lightweight champion, prompting discussion about his preparation. Topuria quickly interjected with a heated response aimed at both the interim champion and his coach, Trevor Wittman.

Your coach will not be in there to help you. You are going to be alone in that octagon with me. You talk about your coach being the best, but you’re not even the world champion. What makes him the best if you’re not even the best?

Ilia Topuria via UFC Freedom 250 press conference

Wittman has coached Gaethje for most of his career, with the pair continuing their preparations at ONX Sports. Ahead of UFC Freedom 250, the veteran coach has incorporated outdoor training sessions to help Gaethje adapt to the event’s open-air and humid conditions. Topuria, meanwhile, has been sharpening his skills at Miami’s Boxr Gym under longtime coach Javi Climent for the lightweight title clash.

The rivalry became personal after ‘The Highlight’ made comments widely interpreted as indirect shots at Topuria’s recent divorce. Matters escalated further when Topuria responded by targeting Gaethje’s father on social media after remarks from the challenger’s camp were made public. What began as a respectful buildup to a fight evolved into a bitter feud, with both fighters trading increasingly personal attacks.

The hostility spilled over at the faceoffs when Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje engaged in a physical altercation during their ceremonial faceoffs. ‘El Matador’ shoved the challenger, prompting Dana White and security personnel to intervene before tensions escalated. The incident highlighted just how far their rivalry had progressed from its initially respectful beginnings and added even more intrigue to fight week.

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Fans praise Ilia Topuria’s trash talk against Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria’s rise has been remarkable, given the challenges he faced upon entering the UFC in 2020. Born to Georgian parents, raised in Georgia and Spain, and later competing on a global stage, Topuria initially struggled to express himself in English during interviews and media appearances. Today, the lightweight champion comfortably conducts press conferences in multiple languages.

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

Many fans praised Topuria’s evolution as a trash talker, noting how far he has come since his early days in the UFC. Several supporters noted that the Georgian-Spanish champion now appears just as comfortable engaging in verbal battles as he is in the cage. Others argued that his confidence and sharp responses have helped him gain a psychological edge over opponents before fight night.

Other fans viewed the exchange humorously, describing the back-and-forth between Topuria and Gaethje as surprisingly childish for two elite fighters. Many found it amusing that much of the argument revolved around their respective coaches rather than the fight itself. Several comments joked that the rivalry resembled a debate between loyal fans more than a championship buildup.

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