As UFC Freedom 250 approaches, taking place at the historic South Lawn of the White House, prominent figures in the mixed martial arts community have shared their insights on the anticipated main and co-main events.
The headline bout features a unification clash for the UFC lightweight championship between the undefeated Ilia Topuria and the dynamic interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.
The UFC’s official Instagram channel solicited predictions for this significant lightweight title fight from various fighters, MMA personalities, and champions via direct message.
Mackenzie Dern expressed her support for “The Highlight,” stating, “I’ve got Gaethje! And NEW!”
Petr Yan, the current two-time UFC bantamweight champion, believes Ilia Topuria will emerge victorious, remarking, “I think Topuria wins 60 to 40.”
Kayla Harrison, the current two-time UFC women’s bantamweight queen, is also backing “The Highlight,” emphatically stating, “GAETHJE ALL DAY.”
Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning two-time UFC featherweight champion and Topuria’s previous opponent, predicted, “Topuria gets the knockout in the 2nd round.”
Actor Chris Pratt shared his divided allegiance: “Ilia Topuria is such a beast. But my heart is with Gaethje! I’d love to see an upset! Let’s go USA!”
Vic Blends is also on Team Gaethje but anticipates a Topuria knockout. His reaction, along with others, can be found below.
UFC Freedom 250 Co-Main Event: Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane Predictions
In the co-main event, former two-division champion Alex Pereira is set to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship, and professional fighters have offered their forecasts.
Benoit Saint-Denis will be supporting his fellow Frenchman, Ciryl Gane, stating, “I’m behind Gane for this historic night, the back-to-back with the interim title for Cyril.”
Top middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov predicted, “Gane by stoppage.”
Gillian Robertson is backing Alex Pereira for UFC Freedom 250, simply saying, “Chama!”
Manon Firot declared, “Gane all day!”
Jan Błachowicz offered a concise endorsement with a stone-faced emoji.
Jiri Prochazka, a former opponent of Pereira, commented, “Hey, Pereira can do that, I believe, but let’s see how he will handle the movement in heavyweight.”
Former middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis stated, “What’s up, UFC! I have Alex as the New Interim Champ!”
Gable Steveson, who is set to make his UFC debut next month, is supporting Gane this evening: “Both are great! But I’m going with Gane!”
Undefeated UFC welterweight Michael Morales is backing Pereira: “Yes Pereira chama.”
Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg shared emojis suggesting a whirlwind victory.