mmaJune 3, 2026·4 min reading·via MMA Fighting

Justin Gaethje Aims for a 'Miracle on Ice' Moment Against Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

Justin Gaethje is preparing to face Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title at UFC White House, viewing the matchup as an opportunity for a "Miracle On Ice" type moment. Despite being a significant underdog, Gaethje embraces the challenge, drawing parallels to his past upsets.

Justin Gaethje wants to deliver a performance for the ages at UFC White House.

Justin Gaethje wants to add his name to the list of great American sports stories.

Next weekend, Gaethje takes on Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title in the main event of UFC White House. Given the enormity of the event, the bout will possibly be the most viewed fight in UFC history, and is likely the final opportunity for Gaethje to win an undisputed UFC title. But, heading into the bout, Gaethje is an enormous betting underdog, coming in at nearly a 5-to-1 odds. But the two-time interim lightweight champion says this is nothing new.

“I love it,” Gaethje told TMZ Sports about being such a big underdog. “For one, my style of fighting is so special that, in a way, people just don’t understand what’s going on. There’s no reason — I’ve had 15 fights in UFC, I think I’ve been the underdog 13 times. I’ve won 10 of those fights. So this has happened every time. Why? I don’t know.”

Gaethje’s numbers are slightly off. In 15 UFC fights, Gaethje has been an underdog 11 times, winning eight of those fights, including most recently upsetting Paddy Pimblett to win the interim title at UFC 324 in January.

But unlike the Pimblett fight, Gaethje understands why Topuria is the favorite in this matchup. Still, he plans to deliver something worthy of the America 250 celebration when he steps into the cage at UFC White House.

“This one specifically I understand,” Gaethje said. “He knocked out Max Holloway; Max Holloway knocked me out. He knocked out Charles Oliveira; Charles Oliveira finished me. So, it makes perfect sense. But it’s 25 minutes in time. I get to control my destiny, and what an opportunity.

“This is Miracle On Ice type of energy that I’m trying to drive into this country. And I have an opportunity to do something special. I could not ask for anything better.”

UFC White House takes place on June 14th, and also features an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.

Insufferable. Matt Brown reacts to ‘insufferable’ Ronda Rousey’s latest comments on Holly Holm.

Superfight. Georges St-Pierre reveals his requests made to UFC for Anderson Silva fight to happen.

Online. Ilia Topuria fires back at Justin Gaethje’s dad calling him ‘little short guy’ before UFC White House clash.

Divorce. Justin Gaethje ramps up trash talk against Ilia Topuria, invoking recent divorce: ‘I would leave him.’

BellaForce. Scott Coker reveals executive team for new MMA promotion.

Shaken. Scott Coker unveils details about new MMA promotion: ‘I think the sport needs a little bit of shaking the cage.’

GSP shows beer shotgun skills... and they're not great!

Georges St-Pierre is one of the greatest fighters of all time, but that doesn't translate into greatness in everything.

The former two-division UFC champion was a surprise guest of country singer Luke Combs in Montreal. Combs brought 'GSP' on stage where both guys shotgunned beers. Combs finished immediately, and while St-Pierre didn't have the worst effort in history, Combs probably could've knocked off two or three more by the time St-Pierre finished.

Check out the video below, and grade GSP's form.

Justin Gaethje is doing his level best to sell this fight and make people believe he has a chance. I sincerely wish he did, because it would be super cool for him to pull off this upset. Alas, we aren’t allowed to have fun things in MMA.

If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKLee of @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and like us on Facebook.

A daily roundup of UFC and MMA news and results

No messages yet

Be the first to throw a punch in the chat.

Sign in to join the live chat.

News Live Chat

Discuss in real time. Higher ranks can issue orders; challenge takes you disagree.