Justin Gaethje directs Ilia Topuria’s divorce, sparking rift ahead of White House showdown
President Donald Trump is holding his long-awaited UFC fight on the South Lawn this weekend, and the main event is already moving from chaos.
UFC Freedom 250 goes down on Sunday (June 14), marking the first time a major MMA pay-per-view will take place at the People’s House.
But the big story heading into fight week is the increased bad blood between UFC Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Interim Champion Justin Gaethje.
Topuria has spent recent months dealing with a nasty divorce.
Justin Gaethje watches during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
Gaethje let go of all the hype by pointing that personal drama into fight week’s characters. The American referred to Topuria during an appearance on FOX Sports.
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“I can say this: I was going to leave him [too]. That’s all I’m saying. I was going to leave him. “I can’t stand his s–,” Gaethje said.
The comments did not go down well with Topuria.
The champion responded with a reply to X:
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“Justin crossed the line. What happened between me and my ex-wife and I is our business. We may not be together anymore, but she is the mother of my daughter. To all the people who insult him or talk about things they know nothing about: show some respect. You don’t have to respect our relationship. But respecting one’s mother should be one of the most basic codes in life. Be better.
Gaethje wasted little time in answering and then brought his father into the conversation.
“Proving my point. It’s intolerable b**** boy. He never said anything about your wife. He wants to talk words with my father and pretend I crossed the line. We’re fighting buddy.”
Ilia Topuria, wearing red gloves, faces Charles Oliveira, wearing green gloves, during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
Topuria then delivered one final answer … which was very hot.
“You should have kept your father out of this. He was the one who called me a short guy and said he was going to crush me, while holding a beer in his hand. Then you talked about my divorce and told the world that you don’t want to live with me. Silly.”
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“First, we fight, we’re not dating. Second, I don’t want a roommate. If I put you to bed and you’re lying over there next to the rose, I’m going to look at your father and ask him one simple question: Who’s shorter now? I’m going to break Justin.”
It is expected that Trump will strengthen his hand as one of the UFC’s rivals will focus more on the lawn of the White House.
If the fight delivers even half the drama of the pre-fight trash talk, Sunday’s fight on the South Lawn could be legendary.
Send us your comments: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow on X: @alejandroaveela
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