Former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev believes Justin Gaethje can shock the world against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will look to remain unbeaten in his professional MMA career when he faces Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 next month at the White House. Topuria vs. Gaethje headlines a stacked seven-fight card, featuring an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.

After knocking out Charles Oliveira to win the then-vacant lightweight title last year, Topuria will look to cement himself as arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world against Gaethje. A win could potentially mean a showdown with UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, potentially later this year.

Gaethje is a significant underdog against Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, although this is nothing new for the former BMF titleholder. He was a modest underdog against Paddy Pimblet and Rafael Fiziev before winning both of his most recent outings.

Makhachev isn’t one of Gaethje’s detractors and believes his experience could be enough to get the job done.

Islam Makhachev predicts Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje

In a recent interview with the UFC‘s media team, Makhachev was asked for his prediction for Topuria vs. Gaethje.

“The main event at the White House, I think, of course, I’m not counting Gaethje out. He’s an old warhorse with a lot of experience,” Makhachev said.

“But, Topuria is younger. It will be a great fight for the fans. I believe this fight definitely won’t go the distance and I’m leaning towards Topuria winning.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

Makhachev vacated the UFC lightweight title last year to make the full-time move to welterweight, although he hasn’t ruled out potentially moving back down to lightweight to fight Topuria in a massive super fight. In the meantime, Topuria will look to make his case for a showdown with Makhachev.

What is your prediction for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje? Let us know in the comments!