Jon Jones expressed admiration for Ilia Topuria, highlighting him as a fighter he finds exhilarating ahead of a potential matchup with Justin Gaethje. Speaking shortly after the Celebrity Sweat flag football game, Jones named Ilia Topuria as his current favorite alongside honoring Anderson Silva as his all-time favorite fighter. He described Topuria as “just dynamite” while showing uncertainty about Gaethje’s chances against the UFC lightweight champion at the upcoming White House event.
“My favorite fighter to watch has always been Anderson Silva, he is unbelievable. Right now, I have to say Ilia [Topuria], he gets me excited. He’s just dynamite.”
Topuria has made a significant impact in the UFC, remaining undefeated and earning knockout victories over prominent fighters such as Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski. When asked about rumors linking Topuria to a fight with Gaethje at the White House event, Jones responded with a mix of surprise and skepticism about Gaethje’s potential success:
“How crazy would that be? Sorry Gaethje.”
Justin Gaethje Insists on Fighting Ilia Topuria at the White House Event
The anticipated UFC White House event is shaping up to be a historic night for the promotion, and Justin Gaethje has made it clear that he wants to compete there. Known as ‘The Highlight,’ Gaethje recently confirmed that Ilia Topuria will be his next opponent, with the champion returning to training after a period of inactivity due to personal reasons.
During an interview with Pat McAfee, Gaethje emphasized that the matchup with Topuria is the only viable option for the event’s main card. He vividly described the atmosphere of heading from the Oval Office straight to the octagon, suggesting the fight would likely headline the card.
“Ilia Topuria at the White House. Has to be. Has to be, no other option. Walking out of the Oval Office, into the cage, wearing the flag. I think we are going to main event it. I think we will be the main event.”
Gaethje also mentioned an alternative opponent, Conor McGregor, acknowledging the potential for that fight to also headline the event.
“If it’s McGregor, then McGregor’s going to fight me, and we will be main event anyway.”
Additionally, Gaethje issued a clear warning to Topuria regarding the consequences of stepping away or delaying his comeback:
“If Ilia didn’t come back, they would strip him, and I would become undisputed and then McGregor gets to fight whoever he wants.”
Upcoming Lightweight Bout and Its Implications
Justin Gaethje secured the interim lightweight championship by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Although a fight with Ilia Topuria has yet to be officially confirmed, it remains the most anticipated next step for Gaethje. Given Topuria’s impressive undefeated streak and high-profile wins, this matchup carries significant weight in the division.
The White House event, with its unprecedented setting, promises a unique backdrop for this pivotal fight, which could determine the lightweight hierarchy moving forward. Should Topuria and Gaethje face off, the bout is expected to draw enormous attention, potentially setting the stage for future superfights involving other top contenders like Conor McGregor.
Both fighters’ trajectories suggest that this upcoming contest could have a major impact on the lightweight division’s landscape, influencing championship status and future title defenses.
"How crazy would that be? Sorry, Gaethje," – Jon Jones reacts to the rumours of Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje at the White House.
"Ilia really gets me excited. He's just dynamite"
(Via: @HelenYeeSports ) pic.twitter.com/QstyvHiVal
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 8, 2026
