Justin Gaethje's position as a heavy underdog against Ilia Topuria is little more than disrespect, according to his teammate Archie Colgan.

The interim lightweight champion is being given next to no chance by many experts and fans on June 14, despite a history of massive victories. Topuria has been on a streak of impressive victories, including knockout wins over Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, who both stopped Gaethje.

Colgan Defends His Teammate

Even after years of scoring major victories over the likes of Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier and most recently Paddy Pimblett, there is still a belief that Gaethje will be stopped by Topuria at UFC White House.

But his teammate Archie Colgan made the case for why it is unwise to rule out the American.

"I've never seen this level of, I don't know if you want to call it disrespect or just in general writing off," Colgan said.

"Maybe there's just so much praise towards Ilia but I have never seen people write off somebody like him. If it was just some random guy who just entered top 10 and they gave him a title shot then it would be different and I would understand.

"But this is a guy that has been proven. He won multiple world titles in the World Series of Fighting, he's been the interim champion in UFC twice when I don't think anyone has ever been interim UFC champion two times. He was also the BMF champion.

"He has competed with all of the best so to see him get written off? I think it's a little bit of just what's trendy, everyone is saying it so people just tag along but it will make it all the more sweeter when he silences the doubter."

Makhachev Weighs In

Islam Makhachev is looking forward to the lightweight title fight at UFC White House. "El Matador" is heavily favored against the much older Gaethje, coming in as nearly an 8-1 betting favorite. While the welterweight champion ultimately agrees Topuria will win, he believes the bout is closer than many think.

"The main event at the White House, I think, of course, I'm not counting Gaethje out," Makhachev said on UFC Eurasia. "He's an old warhorse with a lot of experience. 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."

The Bigger Picture

If Topuria wins, that could finally set up the long-sought-after matchup between Makhachev and Topuria. Fans have been calling for that fight for over a year, and there were reports that the bout was under consideration for UFC White House, with both Topuria's and Makhachev's teams blaming the other for the bout falling through.

When asked if this win could finally make that fight happen, Makhachev played coy.

"There's a lot of talk, a lot of discussion about this fight," Makhachev said. "But Topuria himself and his team know why the Topuria vs. Makhachev fight won't happen at the White House."