UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has now made his clear-cut prediction for the Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje showdown at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday.
Ilia Topuria is scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight championship against interim title holder Justin Gaethje in the co-main event at the White House-based card.
Gaethje became the lightweight interim champion back in January after his unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Topuria, on the other hand, has held his lightweight championship crown since 2025 after he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
Tom Aspinall is fully convinced Ilia Topuria will dominate Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Tom Aspinall revealed his verdict on how the five-round UFC White House clash will play out between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria.
The 33-year-old UFC heavyweight refused to rule out Gaethje causing a stunning upset by knocking Topuria out and securing the UFC lightweight championship.
However, Aspinall admitted that Topuria is the clear favourite in his eyes and has backed the 29-year-old to knock Gaethje out by either the third or fourth round.
“Gaethje can knock him out,” he said.
“But it’s a small chance. I think I’m heavily leaning towards Ilia Topuria. But if Ilia Topuria can win, it would be by knockout.”
Aspinall added: “Ilia Topuria [to win]. I think it’s going to be a little bit back and forth, but I think Ilia Topuria by knockout in the third or fourth round.”
Why Tom Aspinall feels that Justin Gaethje is at a disadvantage against Ilia Topuria for UFC title fight
During his UFC Freedom 250 prediction, Aspinall insisted that Topuria’s “power” will put him in an advantageous position over Gaethje for their lightweight title fight.
“I just think that his power for Justin Gaethje is going to be way too much,” he explained.
“The way he sets up his punches, the way he mixes it up between strikes and takedowns, I think it’s going to be way too much for Gaethje.
“I think Gaethje’s took too many big shots in his career to be taking those kind[s] of shots off someone like Ilia.”
The five-round interim UFC heavyweight championship title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will co-main event this Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 card.
