Topuria faces enormous challenge in beating Gaethje cleanly at UFC White House

Ilia Topuria faces one of the most demanding tasks of his career against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, with no fighter ever defeating Gaethje without conceding damage or a round — except Carlos Oliveira, who still got knocked down twice. Gaethje has knocked down opponents 13 times across 15 UFC bouts and has hurt or finished elite strikers including Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Max Holloway, Tony Ferguson, and Rafael Fiziev. For Topuria to elevate his legacy, analysts argue he must win every round, avoid a knockdown, and finish Gaethje cleanly — a feat no striker has yet managed.