WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this week, at a hotel not far from the outdoor octagon on the White House’s south lawn where he’ll defend his UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje Sunday night, Ilia Topuria was asked if there’s any aspect of his opponent’s game he feels is superior to his own.

Wearing a black-on-black jacket and shirt unbuttoned deep enough to reveal the capital “T” cresting the intricate tattoo collage covering his chest, Topuria gazed out before him in consideration, slightly shaking his head as a bemused grin spread across his face — an answer in and of itself.

“I don't know, the truth is I haven't thought about that,” Topuria said, still grinning. “I think he takes better naps than I do in front of the audience, that's for sure.”

Yeah, Topuria’s a cold dude. Fights cold; speaks cold; sparks dudes cold. His aesthetic is that of unshakable composure amidst the fight game’s constant chaos — both inside the octagon and out. His calm, simmering intensity is enough to convince most he’s as inevitable as he says he is. And for any outstanding doubters, there’s the action that follows as he continues to punch ticket after ticket.

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Watch UFC Freedom 250 on Sportsnet

The UFC heads to the White House lawn for a night of fights in what promises to be one of the most unique sporting events in history. Watch UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14 with the seven-fight pay-per-view card available on Sportsnet starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

“People still confuse my confidence with arrogance,” Topuria said. “They don't understand that everything has come from hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Everything I talk about is based in facts. Many say that I talk a lot. But, at the end of the day, I also show it.”

Recency bias is a powerful force in the MMA world, but even following a year’s absence from competition while tending to a very tumultuous and public divorce, no one should need a reminder of how exceptional Topuria can be. His mantle holds a who’s who of this generation’s stars. Alexander Volkanovski by right hook. Max Holloway with a left. Charles Oliveira with the right, then the........

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