Topuria claims he has video predicting exact first-round KO of Gaethje on June 14

Ilia Topuria is already on record with his prediction for his June 14 lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje — and he says the footage will prove him right once the night is over.

The Georgian-born Spanish contender revealed he recorded a video before the bout stating he will knock Gaethje out in the first round. Topuria said the victory is already his and that the video will be released publicly after the fight for the world to see. It is a bold declaration from a fighter who has rarely lacked confidence heading into a contest.

Topuria, 29, enters the fight ranked second in the lightweight division and sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings with a record of 17-1-0. Fighting out of Spain under the Climent Club banner, "El Matador" stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He also averages nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at 155 pounds.

Standing across from him is lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, 37, who carries a 28-5-0 record into the contest. "The Highlight" out of Genesis Training Center is a physically larger fighter at five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach. Gaethje is one of the division's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 58 percent accuracy rate.

Why it matters

• Topuria's public first-round KO prediction raises the stakes on what is already a championship-level matchup
• A win would push Topuria to the top of the lightweight division, building on his current pound-for-pound number-one status
• Both fighters are orthodox strikers with notable knockout power, setting up a high-pressure stand-up exchange from the opening bell
• Gaethje's championship reign is on the line against one of the sport's most ascendant contenders