GSP entered Ilia Topuria's training camp » What secrets does “El Matador” prepare before the match with Justin Gaethje
Article by Robert Vîrdol – Published on Thursday, 11 June 2026, 22:43 / Updated on Thursday, 11 June 2026 22:43
UFC Freedom 250 will take place on Monday, from 03:00, and the main event will be Ilia Topuria – Justin Gaethje, for the lightweight world title. The Spaniard is the favorite in the fight, but also the favorite of the public, thanks to his last victories by knockout against big names such as Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira or Max Holloway.
Ilia Topuria's career is on an upward slope. He has defeated the great legends of the UFC and has 17 wins in as many professional fights. The Spaniard is one of the most fit fighters around, and at the moment he is enjoying immense popularity.
He took a break recently due to family issues, but is now back and preparing for the match with Justin Gaethje.
What are Ilia Topuria's secrets before the main event at the White House
Ilia Topuria / Imago Images
Gazeta Sporturilor found out what the people around Ilia Topuria focused on during this period and what they prepared for the match with Justin Gaethje. His brother and the other coaches scrutinized “El Matador”'s matches and discovered a mistake that he tried to correct.
“A lot of times when Ilia lands a left jab, he doesn't protect his right temple well. That could have given Gaethje a big advantage for a high kick, which could have knocked Ilia out. We have prepared this aspect and everything is regulated”, is the information obtained by GSP.
Gazeta also found out another important aspect from the fighter's camp. Before each training session, most of which are based on boxing, Ilia Topuria's main skill, he meditates. This ritual is also held at the end of training.
The rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje has intensified
Ilia Topuria, photo: Getty
The two had a good relationship until a few days ago, when the American declared that he too would have left Ilia Topuria if he had been in his wife's place. Since then, Ilia has come out with a message saying that she has lost all respect for Justin.
Now, the match has started to take more shape, being considered a real rivalry, and Ilia's fight with Arman Tsarukyan has been put on the sidelines a bit.
