"He crossed the personal line" - Ilia Topuria flips off Justin Gaethje, warns MMA rival before UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria has hit back at Justin Gaethje after the latter's recent comments concerning his personal life. "El Matador" had a choice gesture for his upcoming opponent as well as a warning. 

Topuria, who's an ex-UFC featherweight champion and reigning UFC lightweight champion, is booked to fight ex-BMF titlist and current interim UFC lightweight titleholder Gaethje.

Their 155-pound title unification matchup will witness its winner emerge as the division's undisputed champion. The duo will headline the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 14. 

The Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje feud gradually escalated before their UFC Freedom 250 fight

Ilia Topuria's personal life was a prominent topic of discussion in 2025, as the Georgian-Spaniard fighter had even announced a hiatus from MMA competition due to personal reasons. It was indicated that his divorce from his former partner, Giorgina Uzcategui, was the reason behind the same. 

That said, the 29-year-old UFC icon is now all set to return to the octagon against Justin Gaethje. For the better part of the buildup to their high-stakes title fight, both combatants have been cordial and appreciative of each other's accomplishments. 

Nevertheless, as seen in a recent video posted to Justin Gaethje's YouTube channel, his father, John Ray Gaethje, appeared to predict that his son would dominantly beat Topuria. John also deemed the lightweight kingpin as a "little, short guy." 

"El Matador" hit back by asserting that he'd handily beat Justin. Moreover, in an interview with Fox Sports Australia, Justin referred to his rival as an "annoying little b*st*rd." He also seemed to reference Topuria's divorce, saying, "I would leave him (Ilia Topuria). That's all I'm saying. I would leave him." 

Ilia Topuria has responded to Justin Gaethje's personal remarks, sent a warning to the American MMA star

In episode No. 1 of the UFC Freedom 250 Embedded: Vlog Series, posted to the UFC's official YouTube channel, Ilia Topuria fired back at Justin Gaethje over his aforementioned personal remarks. 

Looking into the camera, Topuria flipped off Gaethje whilst stating, "Take this, Justin. Take it." He continued, "Actually, I thought he was a great guy. But since he crossed the personal line, he's not gonna have my respect. He's not gonna have my team's respect."

Topuria further sent a warning, saying, "All I'm going to need is two minutes in the octagon with you. Then I'm going to put you to sleep in front of your whole family, your country, in front of everyone." 

 

Watch Ilia Topuria's response to Justin Gaethje's recent remarks regarding his personal life below (*comments at the 1:30-minute mark of the video):