Ilia Topuria reveals his special gift for Justin Gaethje heading into UFC Freedom 250
Ilia Topuria has reaffirmed his self-belief heading into UFC Freedom 250. "El Matador" is on a collision course with veteran KO artist Justin Gaethje at the event.
Ilia Topuria has solidified himself as one of the biggest stars in all of mixed martial arts over the past few years. Known for his well-rounded MMA skill set and distinctive persona, Topuria has a tradition of placing a red rose for his opponent after their fight inside the octagon.
He's done the same after some of his most high-profile fights. Heading into his upcoming fight at UFC Freedom 250, "El Matador" has put forth a similar gift for his opponent.
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje headlines the UFC White House event
Ilia Topuria is a former UFC featherweight titleholder and the reigning UFC lightweight champion, who's booked to take on former BMF champ and reigning interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. The 29-year-old Topuria and the 37-year-old Gaethje will headline the special UFC Freedom 250 event.
The fights on the card will be hosted in a specially-crafted outdoor arena on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S.A., on June 14, 2026. It would mark the first time that the White House has hosted a major combat sports event.
Ilia Topuria displays his gift for Justin Gaethje heading into their fight at UFC Freedom 250
The official "@UFConParamount" X handle has now put forth promo footage of the highly anticipated event. It featured Ilia Topuria entering a room, white rose in hand, and walking toward what appears to be an altar of some of the opponents he's beaten.
It also comprised a photo of a foe he hasn't faced as of yet, his upcoming opponent Justin Gaethje. Sending a warning to the American fighter, Topuria said, "I don't think that there is no one on my level in this sport. It sounds cocky. Maybe it is a little bit cocky. But I don't give a damn."
Additionally, Topuria displayed the white rose that's his to gift to Gaethje -- seemingly choosing it rather than his customary red rose, given that they're fighting at the White House. The Georgian-Spaniard stated the following in Spanish, "Justin will fall at the White House. I have a special rose just for him."
Watch the footage featuring Topuria below:
Ilia Topuria has a special white rose for Justin Gaethje š¹#UFCWhiteHouse | SUN June 14 | LIVE on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/DHbArieW9I
ā UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 30, 2026
For context, back in July 2023, Topuria spoke to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour and shed light on his rose tradition. Around the 3:17:22-minute mark of the episode, Helwani asked him about the rose element, to which he explained that it's rooted in Spain's matador culture.
"El Matador" indicated that in Spain, a matador is showered with roses when he's entering the bullring to fight the bull. Also, the matador leaves a rose as a sign of respect after he defeats the bull. Similarly, he leaves a rose inside the octagon to express his condolences and respect to his vanquished opponent.
Watch Topuria discuss the topic with Helwani below:
