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Ilia Topuria heaps praise on Alex Pereira before making clear ‘no way’ statement
TL;DR
Ilia Topuria praised Alex Pereira as they prepare for UFC Freedom 250, where Topuria will headline against Justin Gaethje and Pereira will face Ciryl Gane. Both fighters are gearing up for significant roles on the event card.
Key points
- Ilia Topuria headlines UFC Freedom 250 against Justin Gaethje
- Alex Pereira faces Ciryl Gane in the co-main event
- Topuria and Pereira trained together before the fight
Ilia TopuriaAlex PereiraJustin GaethjeCiryl Gane
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira have linked up as UFC Freedom 250 draws closer, with both men carrying major roles on the White House card.
Topuria headlines the event against Justin Gaethje, while Pereira faces Ciryl Gane in the co-main event as he chases another historic UFC moment.
The pair recently posted photos together and trained in the same gym, giving Topuria a close view of Pereira before fight night.
Ilia Topuria makes ‘no way’ remark about Alex Pereira
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Topuria was asked about Pereira while speaking to the press on Friday, and the lightweight champion offered clear respect for the Brazilian’s current shape.
“He is looking great. Actually, I’m really excited to see his fight against Ciryl Gane,” the Spaniard began by saying.
“I respect both of them, I think they’re both legendary fighters and it’s going to be amazing to watch.”
However, when a journalist asked whether he had sparred with Pereira during their time in the same gym, Topuria gave a blunt answer: “No way.”
Ilia Topuria backs Alex Pereira after press conference jibe
Topuria also stepped in after heavyweight rising star Josh Hokit targeted Pereira during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference on Friday.
The Spaniard’s altercation with Hokit led the unbeaten American to be escorted out of the ceremony.
His defence of Pereira also showed the respect between two champions preparing for very different tests on the same night.
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Q&A
What are the fight matchups at UFC Freedom 250?
At UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria will headline against Justin Gaethje, while Alex Pereira faces Ciryl Gane in the co-main event.
What did Ilia Topuria say about Alex Pereira?
Ilia Topuria praised Alex Pereira, highlighting their training together and Pereira's skills ahead of UFC Freedom 250.
When is UFC Freedom 250 taking place?
UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled to take place soon, with both Topuria and Pereira preparing for their respective fights.
