Ilia Topuria holds White House victory party … 24 hours before his fight with Justin Gaethje

You’ll never be able to accuse Ilia Topuria of lacking confidence.

The two-division champion was shocking UFC fans with his cocky attitude from the moment he arrived in the title picture. Leading into his first ever fight for a belt against featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski, “El Matador” updated the record

on his Instagram bio to include a win over “The Great” … a whole two months before their fight.

Since then, many have been waiting for the moment Ilia would have to eat some humble pie.

But as of now that dessert remains untouched as he continues to smash everyone he faces.

Topuria has been even more self-assured of a victory against Justin Gaethje coming into UFC Freedom 250 at the White House later today (Sunday, June 14th, 2026). Sure, he’s done the Instagram bio record update thing again, but that’s barely visible next to to the big victory party he held for himself in Washington D.C. on Saturday night.

Topuria did the same thing leading into his Charles Oliveira fight, and it seems like it’s becoming something of a tradition. While most fighters are in seclusion the night before a bout getting mentally prepared, the Spanish-Georgian fighter gathers together all his family and supporters for a big bash to celebrate the win he is about to have in 24 hours.

“It’s not a victory we have to earn,” Topuria declared in Spanish. “Victory is already ours.”

Video from the event shows a restaurant full to the brim with Topuria supporters cheering Ilia on and singing. Another video from the event captures heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk at the event, hugging Topuria.

Topuria has been predicting a first round knockout of Gaethje at the White House, and the public seem to agree with that general result. “El Matador” is as high as a -550 favorite at some sportsbooks, with Gaethje a heavy +400 dog. But every dog has his day, and maybe tonight will be the night Topuria gets a little too confident and leaves himself exposed to one of Justin’s big bombs. We’ll catch you at the White House (8 p.m. ET on Paramount+) with the results.