Topuria will defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje on June 14. He comes from a wrestling background but emphasizes striking to entertain fans. He previously defeated Max Holloway in 2024, handing Holloway his only knockout loss, and believes he could have controlled Holloway on the ground and pursued a submission if he chose. Topuria points to Holloway’s willingness to engage in striking early, including a point-down moment, as evidence of his preference for exciting exchanges. Against Gaethje, Topuria intends to keep the fight on the feet, while having a plan if Gaethje attempts takedowns, and expects to finish with a knockout.
"“If I want it, of course, I take him down and do whatever I want with him,” Topuria said on . “But I really want to give the fans a show, the entertaining part. With Max also, I could take him down, control him in the ground, submit him on the ground. But it wouldn't have been as exciting as it was. So that's the same thing I'm planning to do with Justin. It's going to be a pure striking fight, at least from my side. If he tries to take me down, then we have different plans for that also. But anyways, I going to end up knocking him out.”"
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