Outside Source
The lightweight title fight headlining UFC Freedom 250 definitely has the attention of one man who recently held that belt.
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UFC welterweight champ Islam Makhachev, who relinquished the lightweight title last year in his quest for a second title, recently weighed in on the upcoming clash between his successor, Ilia Topuria, and interim champ Justin Gaethje.
In an interview shared Monday by the UFC’s official social media channels, Makhachev predicted that White House card will be a treat for fans. Gaethje (27-5) will enter the cage as a prohibitive underdog to the undefeated Topuria (17-0) in Sunday’s main event, but Makhachev does not dismiss the American’s chances. However, Makhachev believes the eight-year age gap will be an advantage for the younger Topuria. Makhachev is picking “El Matador” to defeat Gaethje. Regardless of the outcome, Makhachev believes the fight will be fan-friendly and definitely won’t go the distance.
“Of course, I’m not counting Gaethje out. He’s an old warhorse with a lot of experience. But Topuria is younger. It will be a great fight for the fans. I believe this fight definitely won’t go the distance. And I’m leaning towards Topuria winning.”
Gaethje is practically the only lightweight contender that Makhachev didn’t face during a stellar run that saw the Dagestani wrestler go 15-1, win the title and defend it four times. While Makhachev had expressed interest in the matchup, he moved up to welterweight before it could come to fruition. Meanwhile, Topuria has long been teasing a matchup against Makhachev, which is arguably the most anticipated matchup in recent UFC history. Topuria has expressed his desire to moving up to welterweight to challenge Makhachev for the title if he defeats Gaethje.
UFC Freedom 250 takes place Sunday, June 14, on the south lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The seven-fight card is topped by the Topuria vs. Gaethje lightweight title unification bout, as well as an interim heavyweight title fight between two-division former champion Alex Pereira and former interim champ Ciryl Gane.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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