Colby Covington doesn’t like Justin Gaethe’s chances against Ilia Topuria going into UFC Freedom 250.
Gaethje and Topuria are scheduled to collide on June 14 with the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship at stake. Once Topuria went on hiatus, Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to capture the interim gold. “El Matador” and “The Highlight” will clash for the undisputed distinction at the historic White House event.
Covington isn’t exactly impressed by UFC’s decision to make Topuria vs. Gaethje the main event of Freedom 250. During an appearance on the “Daniel Cormier SHOW!,” Covington predicted a brutal outcome for Gaethje.
“It’s the celebration of the 250th birthday of the greatest country on God’s green earth, America,” Covington said. “You’d think that there’d be more American fighters on it from top to bottom. You’d think that there’d maybe be some favorable matches for the American, but to send Gaethje out there to get slaughtered? I mean, Topuria’s the best fighter on the planet right now. No one can dispute that. The way he’s just finishing these guys all the way, [Alexander] Volkanovski and [Charles] Oliveira. He’s just on another level right now. He’s in his prime, and Gaethje’s on his way down. There’s no beating father time.”
Gaethje has been known for his ability to take damage and has scored some spectacular finishes in his career. He’s also been on the receiving end of some of those highlight reels. Topuria has vowed to ice Gaethje early, and it’s a claim some experts and fans fully believe.
In his last outing back in June 2025, Topuria knocked out Oliveira in the first round to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Do you agree with Colby Covington’s prediction for the UFC Freedom 250 main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, or do you see an upset brewing? Share your opinion in the comments below.