Interim Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is full steam ahead on the UFC White House card.
Gaethje has consistently been upfront about his desire to compete on the mega event this June, and his upset victory over Paddy Pimblett a couple weeks back at UFC 324 (highlights here) very possibly secured his opportunity to do so. Interim or not, “The Highlight” is one of relatively few American champions, and he’s guaranteed entertainment if nothing else.
“Ilia Topuria at the White House. Has to be,” Gaethje responded when asked what’s next by Pat McAfee (h/t Championship Rounds). “No other option. Walking out of the Oval Office into the cage wearing the flag — I think we’re gonna main event it. I’m totally guessing, throwing s—t against the wall right now, but I mean, what else?”
There’s one potential kink in that plan: Conor McGregor. McAfee pointed out that a name like McGregor could relegate Gaethje to co-main event status. Gaethje, however, believes that if McGregor does make a comeback this summer, it will be against him with undisputed gold on the line.
“If it’s McGregor, then McGregor’s gonna fight me and we’ll be main event anyway … If Ilia didn’t come back, they would strip him, I’d become the undisputed, and then McGregor gets to fight whoever he wants so I guess that would be an option.”
As mentioned, Ilia Topuria currently seems available to defend his belt. If that were to change due to injury or further unusual circumstance, however, UFC would love nothing more than to work McGregor into a title fight. Gaethje would obviously be favored, but it’s not the worst matchup imaginable for the long-missing knockout artist.
UFC CEO Dana White said matchmaking for the White House card will begin in February (even if that’s not his job anymore), so hopefully some fight announcements will come sooner than later. Until then, we’re stuck with speculation and guesswork.
