Ilia Topuria is a once in a generation talent, and following his UFC White House fight, he could see himself become the GOAT.
On June 14, Ilia Topuria showcases why he is currently the biggest star in combat sports when he unifies his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the UFC White House main event.
‘El Matador’ is coming into the fight off the back of knocking out three UFC legends, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.
And by adding ‘The Highlight’ to his already dazzling resume, the Spaniard could see himself go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Joe Rogan commends Topuria’s willingness to defend title outdoors
The UFC White House event is one of the most unique combat sports events of all time for several reasons.
One of which being that the fights will take place outside, open to all of the elements, which could prove to be a slight problem.
Just a few weeks ago, Dana White revealed that there is an ongoing bug problem in Washington D.C. and after a meeting he had at the White House, he realized it could be an issue.
The situation was then called ‘odd’ by commentator Joe Rogan, who has been extremely against the whole idea of fighting at the White House since it was initially spoken about.
Rogan called the event a ‘gimmick’, and throughout the build up to the event, he has been heavily critical about it for several reasons, with the latest reason being that title fights shouldn’t take place outside.
And because of the unknown element of fighting outdoors, Joe Rogan has commended ‘El Matador’ for his willingness to defend his title in those conditions, claiming that because of that he could end up going down as the greatest fighter of all time.
“The only thing that bothers me is that it’s outside,” Rogan said during the recent episode of his podcast.
“These guys are fighting for world titles, I mean, Ilia Topuria might be, he’s not just one of the best right now, he might be one of the best that ever did it. It’s very possible that he goes down in history as the all-time great.
“He’s so good, and for him to have to defend his title, world title, outside with bugs and humidity and heat. It could rain, it could thunderstorm, who f—— knows? It’s crazy to have a fight outside in D.C. in June.”
Throughout the build up of his title defense against Gaethje, things have remained relatively respectful between the two.
But that changed this past Tuesday when the former BMF champion sent a shot at Topuria referencing his recent divorce, which turned their rivalry personal.
That, though, only benefits the fans as the build up is only expected to get better from here on out.