Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Prediction and Tips

Ilia Topuria will make the first defence of his lightweight title in the main event of the UFC's landmark card at the White House on Sunday night.

Adam Catterall's Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje Tips

• Ilia Topuria by KO, TKO, DQ and Round 1 - 19/10

Since debuting in the UFC in 2020 Topuria has been an unstoppable force across the featherweight and lightweight divisions, capturing gold at 145lbs with a devastating first-round KO of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.

After defending the title with a KO of another all-time great in the form of Max Holloway, Topuria moved back up to lightweight last year to challenge former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant title.

Yet another incredible stoppage followed for the Spaniard, and he now looks to take his perfect record as a professional mixed martial artist to 18 fights when he steps into the Octagon on the biggest stage of all on Sunday night.

Standing in his way is current interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Gaethje claimed the interim belt by defeating Paddy Pimblett in January and will now look have a third opportunity to become undisputed champion.

However, speaking on bet365 Cageside MMA expert Adam Catterall insisted that Topuria's well-rounded skills will give him the edge inside the Octagon.

"We know full well that Justin Gaethje is coming for war," Catterall said. "It’s going to be an unbelievable contest.

"You’re going to be on the edge of your seat and I do believe it is going to end in a knockout.

"Sadly for Justin Gaethje I don’t think it’s going to be third time lucky because I think we’re dealing with a very special athlete in the shape of Ilia Topuria.

"I think after this we’ll see him challenge Islam Makhachev at 170lbs in an attempt to become a three-weight world champion, but first he has the small matter of defending this 155lbs crown.

"I think he’ll do it, I think he’ll do it in style, and I'm going for a first round knockout."

Odds displayed in the above article were correct at time of publishing and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.