Ilia Topuria claims he will break Justin Gaethje as feud continues to escalate

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has declared that he will break Justin Gaethje in their collision at UFC Freedom 250.

This weekend, Ilia Topuria will defend his UFC lightweight championship against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event of the promotion’s blockbuster White House event. Right now, Ilia is considered by many to be the overwhelming favorite.

RELATED: UFC White House | Pro fighters make their picks for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje title fight

Alas, Gaethje has been using some interesting mind games in the past few weeks to try and get under Topuria’s skin, and while it may not work come fight night, he’s certainly getting some bites from ‘El Matador’.

Their latest verbal showdown came on social media with Topuria issuing a very clear warning to Gaethje and his father.

You should’ve kept your father out of this.

He was the one calling me a short guy and saying you’d smash me, all while holding a beer in his hand.

Then you started talking about my divorce and telling the world you wouldn’t want to be my roommate.

Idiot.

First, we’re… https://t.co/siCzS9rNUj

— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) June 8, 2026

Topuria goes back and forth with Gaethje

Topuria: “Justin crossed a line. What happened between my ex-wife and me is our business. We may no longer be together, but she is the mother of my daughter. To everyone insulting her or speaking about things they know nothing about: show some respect. You don’t have to respect our relationship. But respecting someone’s mother should be one of the most basic codes in life. Be better.”

Gaethje: “Proving my point. Insufferable little bitch boy. Never said a thing about your wife. You want to speak words to my father then act like I crossed some line. We already fighting buddy.”

Topuria: “You should’ve kept your father out of this. He was the one calling me a short guy and saying you’d smash me, all while holding a beer in his hand. Then you started talking about my divorce and telling the world you wouldn’t want to be my roommate. Idiot.

“First, we’re fighting, not dating. Second, I’m not looking for a roommate. When I put you to sleep and you’re lying there next to the rose, I’ll look at your father and ask him one simple question: Who’s the short one now? I’m gonna break you Justin.”

What do you make of this rivalry? Let us know in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!