Topuria and Gaethje rivalry intensifies ahead of UFC White House event
MMA Fighting • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 3:30 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026

The UFC White House event is rapidly approaching, with tensions escalating between headliners Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The fighters have engaged in a heated exchange, suggesting personal stakes in their matchup. This week also features discussion on other fights, including Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, along with Dana White's prediction of Super Bowl-like viewership for the event. Fans can watch the latest updates and analysis live or listen to the podcast version.
- •UFC White House event scheduled soon with Topuria vs. Gaethje as headliners
- •Topuria and Gaethje's exchanges have grown increasingly personal
- •Dana White predicts event could achieve Super Bowl-like viewership
- •Additional fights include Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane and Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dillon Danis
- 3:30 PMMMA Fighting — Between the Links: Topuria vs. Gaethje heating up, UFC White House, Dana White predicting Super Bowl numbers
"The final countdown to UFC White House is on, and things are getting pretty heated between headliners Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, with it getting pretty darn close to personal between the two fighters. Does the extra spiciness add to the anticipation levels for the historic event? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the big storylines to kick off a wild fight week, Topuria and Gaethje going back and forth, and if this helps either fighter. Additionally, topics may include Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, Dana White predicting the card does Super Bowl like viewership on Sunday, the low-key fight on the card that’s not getting enough love, RAF 10 headlined by the debut of Khamzat Chimaev against Dillon Danis on Saturday, and much more. Join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee as they answer your questions all show long. Watch the show live at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT in the video above. If you missed the show live, you can still watch above, or listen to the podcast version, which can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.
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