Topuria Must Beat Gaethje Cleanly and Without Damage to Elevate His Star Power

Ilia Topuria faces a uniquely demanding challenge against Justin Gaethje: no fighter has managed to get through Gaethje without conceding at least one round or absorbing significant damage — including Khabib Nurmagomedov, who lost a round on the scorecards and took heavy shots. Gaethje has scored knockdowns in 13 of his 15 UFC bouts and has rocked or finished every striker he has faced, including Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, and Max Holloway. For Topuria to reach a new level of stardom, he must accomplish what no one else has: dominate Gaethje from start to finish without hitting the canvas.