'Don’t blink or fix your hair': Ilia Topuria’s message to Donald Trump goes viral before UFC White House event - Watch Video

Ilia Topuria has sparked buzz online with a quirky message to Donald Trump ahead of the highly anticipated UFC White House event. Topuria's message for the US President, regarding his main event fight against Justin Gaethje at the White House lawns on June 14, quickly went viral, drawing reactions from fans across social media. As excitement builds around the historic event, Topuria’s words have added an unexpected - and entertaining - twist to the pre-fight conversation.


Topuria spoke with Spanish outlet Marca about his upcoming lightweight title unification clash with Gaethje. During the conversation, he shared a calm and grounded assessment of how the fight might unfold.


"Don’t blink or fix your hair," Topuria joked, as quoted by MMA Mania, while sharing his view during the interview. "Because it’s going to be over quickly."

Rather than making bold claims, Topuria offered a balanced and realistic breakdown, showing respect for Gaethje’s abilities while expressing confidence in his own preparation heading into the high-stakes bout.

"With Justin Gaethje, everyone is saying ‘This is a super easy fight, he’s going to get knocked out really fast,’" Topuria said as quoted by MMA Mania.

"But they’re forgetting that Justin Gaethje is a very tough guy with a ton of experience. It’s a tough fight, but at the same time there are levels to this. Everyone has their moment and I feel like this is my moment and the victory is mine."

"Based on his fighting style, how he comes out in every fight, I see it ending quickly, honestly," he further said.

"I see it similar to the Charles Oliveira fight. Because I don’t see him as someone who’s going to trade and then back up, or fight while moving backward. I think he’s the kind of guy who offers a fight. And when you do that, I think you’re making a mistake. Especially when you’re fighting someone like me, who has so much technique."


When asked for his prediction for the White House fight, Topuria said he expects the bout to be finished in the opening round.

"I think it’s going to [end] in the first round."