Islam Makhachev shares his prediction for UFC White House main event

Islam Makhachev, the former UFC lightweight champion, has weighed in on Sunday's main event at UFC Freedom 250, the historic fight card taking place on the White House south lawn in Washington, D.C. The bout pits undefeated Georgian-Spanish lightweight Ilia Topuria (17-0) against veteran American Justin Gaethje (27-5) in a lightweight title unification clash.

In an interview shared by the UFC, Makhachev acknowledged Gaethje's experience and fighting pedigree but favored the younger Topuria to emerge victorious. The eight-year age gap between the fighters should work in Topuria's favor, Makhachev reasoned, though he stressed that both men are skilled enough to deliver an exciting spectacle. "Of course, I'm not counting Gaethje out. He's an old warhorse with a lot of experience. But Topuria is younger. It will be a great fight for the fans," Makhachev said. He predicted the bout will not reach the judges' scorecards.

Makhachev notably never faced Gaethje during his dominant run as lightweight champion, going 15-1 with four title defenses before moving up to welterweight. Topuria, meanwhile, has been campaigning for a matchup against Makhachev, with the undefeated fighter indicating he would move up to welterweight to challenge for the title if he defeats Gaethje on Sunday. That potential showdown is widely considered one of the most anticipated matchups in recent UFC history.

UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday also features an interim heavyweight title fight between former two-division champion Alex Pereira and ex-interim champ Ciryl Gane.