UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria has issued a stark warning to his recent opponents and his upcoming adversary, Justin Gaethje, through a series of morbidly themed social media posts. Topuria, who is set to face Gaethje on June 14th at the White House for the 155-pound title, shared striking imagery on Instagram that depicted a funeral-like arrangement, dedicated to his last three challengers and his next opponent.
Known as “El Matador,” Topuria secured the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski. He then successfully defended his belt against Max Holloway at UFC 308, becoming the first fighter to ever knock out “Blessed.”
Following his featherweight defense, Topuria made a decisive move to the lightweight division. In his debut bout in this new weight class, he swiftly defeated Charles Oliveira in the first round of UFC 317 to claim the lightweight championship.
Now, the undefeated Topuria has set his sights on the veteran Gaethje. He intends to replicate his past successes by knocking out the 37-year-old in their upcoming main event at UFC Freedom 250.
Topuria has a distinctive pre-fight ritual of leaving a red rose for his opponents. However, for Justin Gaethje, he has prepared a white rose, which he intends to place in the octagon after the fight on June 14th, further solidifying his reputation as one of the UFC’s most formidable knockout artists.
In his recent Instagram update, Topuria provided a preview of this symbolic white rose and the funeral-themed display featuring photographs of his previous three adversaries and Gaethje. He accompanied the post with a chilling message directed at Gaethje:
“The White House. A white rose. And a nap in its gardens. Not many can say that, Justin.”
