Ilia Topuria appeared on Fox News show “Gutfeld!” this week as his UFC Freedom 250 preparations continue in the United States.
The lightweight champion is in the closing stages of training camp before facing Justin Gaethje at the White House card.
However, his television appearance took an unexpected turn when he was asked about political themes, including Barack and Michelle Obama’s marriage.
Ilia Topuria admits confusion over Barack Obama question
Topuria addressed the episode while speaking with the press on Friday, making it clear that the subject left him surprised in the moment.
He was not expecting to be drawn into that kind of conversation while promoting one of the biggest fights of his career.
The Spaniard conceded (via Spinnin Backfirst): “I was a little bit confused. I was hearing that Obama was in love with [Donald] Trump and all that, so I was like, ‘What the f— is going on?’”
The political framing has become part of the story around the UFC Freedom 250, as the White House setting has made even routine media appearances harder to separate from politics.
Ilia Topuria keeps distance from politics
Topuria has already insisted that fighting on the card is not a political statement, despite the event’s unique location and wider attention.
He previously said that sport has no flags and explained that he is simply doing the job requested by the UFC.
Topuria also stressed that the White House does not belong to one person, framing the venue as a national stage rather than a partisan symbol.
That stance now looks important. As questions around politics increase, ‘El Matador’ is trying to keep the focus on Gaethje, the fight and his work as champion.
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