Alexander Volkanovski has delivered a chilling prediction for the UFC’s historic White House main event – and it’s not great news for Justin Gaethje fans.
In just 16 days, lightweight king Ilia Topuria and Gaethje will battle to unify their titles on the South Lawn in the headliner of UFC Freedom 250.
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The undefeated Spaniard heads into the blockbuster showdown as a red-hot favourite, and Volk says he can already picture exactly how the fight ends.
And according to the Aussie UFC great, it probably won’t take too long.
Volkanovski, who knows “El Matador’s” power better than almost anyone after suffering a knockout loss to the Spaniard in 2024, believes Topuria’s precision, timing and movement will ultimately prove too much for Gaethje’s all-action style.
“As soon as Gaethje opens himself up, as soon as he tries to open up and let his hands go, I believe that Ilia is going to be too sharp and just catch him,” Volkanovski said on his YourTube channel.
“I think Topuria is safe enough and defensive enough to not fall into any of Justin Gaethje’s traps — and as soon as Gaethje opens up, game over.
“I think it could be that quick, as soon as he opens himself up.
“And I think that’s bound to happen eventually.”
Fight pundits such as Joe Rogan have speculated that “The Highlight” should lean heavily on the brutal leg kicks that made him so dangerous early in his UFC career.
The strategy could compromise Topuria’s movement, limit his explosiveness and potentially force him to switch stances.
Others, including Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, believe Gaethje’s best chance is to “bring the chaos” and drag Topuria into wild exchanges.
But Volk believes that even if Gaethje adopts a more cautious game plan, the result will ultimately be the same.
“Does Gaethje try and shell up very defensively and try and take him into deep waters, take that power off Ilia? Is that going to be his approach? I don’t know,” said Volkanovski.
“I think it might be until he’s in a position where he feels like he’s forced to open up… and Ilia just catches him anyway.
“I think it’s going to be a KO for Ilia… He’s the favourite for a reason.
“I think he’s going to be too much and he’s going to get the KO victory.
“And he could get the KO victory early rounds. If Justin Gaethje is quite defensive you could see it going to the second round, maybe the third.
“But as soon as Gaethje opens up, you’re going to see a finish.”
While Volk continues weighing up the blockbuster lightweight showdown, the Aussie featherweight king may already know who’s next for him inside the Octagon – and when.
Unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev has fuelled speculation that he’s finally secured a title shot against the Windang Warrior after dropping a cryptic social media post this week.
“I am back, end of the summer, and new Inshallah,” he posted on Twitter.
Volkanovski made it clear after his near-faultless title defense against Diego Lopes that his next opponent will come from the top of the division.
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Evloev has long been the dark horse in the division, grinding his way up the rankings with a grappling-heavy style.
He’s certainly not a fan-favourite, but his impressive resume includes victories over Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling and Diego Lopes.