SportOther SportsUFCIlia Topuria will put his lightweight title on the line against knockout artist Justin Gaethje later this evening in a mouthwatering dust-up08:30, 14 Jun 2026Ilia Topuria will return for the first time in nearly a year later this evening when he takes on Justin Gaethje at the White House.‌Since making his UFC debut six years ago, Topuria has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the promotion. The Georgian-Spanish scrapper was quick to climb the featherweight ranks, before finally being handed a title shot back in 2024 against Alexander Volkanovski.‌'El Matador' brutally knocked his foe out in the second round to win the 145lb strap. The 29-year-old successfully defended the coveted gold strap with a knockout of Max Holloway over in Abu Dhabi before deciding to move up to lightweight. Dana White immediately handed the superstar a shot at the vacant belt, and he did not disappoint. Topuria needed just over two minutes to knock Charles Oliveira out. But tonight, he faces a tough test in Gaethje - who is known for his ferocious power. The 'Highlight' comes into the clash off the back of an epic win over Paddy Pimblett. And so, here is everything you need to know ahead of tonight's fights...‌What time does Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethjestart tonight?The UFC will stage a historic night of fighting tonight - which is also US President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. It will start at 1am UK time on Monday (8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT). In the main event, Gaethje will make the walk to the cage first at around 4am UK time on Monday (11pm ET / 10pm CT / 8pm PT) with Topuria set to follow shortly after. The two stars will then touch gloves soon after before the first bell sounds. The fight should not start later than this but could be brought forward if the undercard fights are completed earlier than expected.How to watch and stream UFC White House fightsThe fights will be shown on the UK on TNT Sports and HBO Max. The card is not set to be a pay-per-view event so existing customers will be able to watch the fights free of charge. The fights will also be streamed on Paramount+ in the US. The fights can be watched on TV or streamed through your mobile device.‌UFC White House fight cardIlia Topuria vs Justin GaethjeAlex Pereira vs Ciryl GaneSean O’Malley vs Aiemann ZahabiDerrick Lewis vs Josh HokitMauricio Ruffy vs Michael ChandlerBo Nickal vs Kyle DaukausDiego Lopes vs Steve GarciaQuotes cornerIlia Topuria: “I always had the desire to knock him out. But this time it was like if after I knocked him out, I would shake his hand and show him some respect. This time, it’s not going to be like that. I’m not going to show him any respect.” He added: “I always had the perception that he was kind of an idiot. He just confirmed that. So it wasn’t any surprise to me.”Justin Gaethje: “I think it definitely doesn’t need to be personal. I mean, ultimately we’re going to try to hurt each other. So, I guess that is pretty personal. But that is the job that we do. I never said anything personal. But we’re very vulnerable when it comes to fight week. We’re very emotional and so we take everything personal and so no matter what I said or didn’t say, we’re going to take it personal. No matter what he says, I’m going to take it personal because I have a chip on my shoulder and this guy’s trying to fight me, beat me up."Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌UFCAlex PereiraDerrick LewisDonald Trump