Dana White (Image via Getty)

UFC CEO Dana White is already building excitement for the upcoming lightweight title bout between Ilya Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The two stars are set to meet at UFC White House on June 14 as part of the America250 celebration and many fans believe it could be one of the most action-packed fights of the year. Topuria started the fight with great energy. Recent years have seen the reigning champion go unbeatable, and he has taken out some of the top names in the sport. Meanwhile, Gaethje is still one of MMA’s most aggressive and knockout powerful fighters and one of the most dangerous.Speaking to UFC on TNT Sports, White shared why he believes the matchup is so exciting. He pointed to the strengths of both fighters and said that fans should expect an exciting fight when they finally step into the cage together. White was particularly impressed by Topuria’s confidence and ability to thrive under pressure. The UFC boss believes quality is one of the biggest reasons why the Georgian-Spanish fighter has become such a dominant force in the two weight classes.

Dana White praises Ilya Topuria as Darius du Plessis reveals Justin Gaethje’s potential path to victory

While discussing the fight with UFC on TNT Sports, White praised Topuria’s recent performance and highlighted his fearless approach. “Imagine him and Gaethje going toe-to-toe. Both guys have the ability… to have nasty, nasty knockout power. Do you understand? This kid doesn’t back down. He just comes in with complete confidence in his hands, complete confidence on his chin, knocking out guys who have never been knocked out before.“The numbers support White’s praise. Topuria’s professional record is 17–0, with 15 total wins. Gaethje, meanwhile, has a record of 27-5 and has earned 20 knockout wins during his career.Yet not everyone believes the fight is one-sided. UFC middleweight champion Darius du Plessis shared a different thought during a recent interview with Fight Forecast. He believes Gaethje has the tools necessary to challenge the undefeated champion.“He’s not intimidated. He’s not afraid of Ilya Topuria. Ilya is very calculating, and he hits very hard. I believe Ilya has much better grappling and wrestling. I believe the key to his victory will be his leg kicks.”Du Plessis also suggested that Gaethje should avoid trading at close range for a long period.“He has devastating leg kicks. Ilya has been dropped with head kicks many times before in his career. So, using those kicks, setting up, but not standing up and hitting in that pocket. That’s not going to be his answer. Setting up that knockout shot, that’s what’s going to happen.”