Justin Gaethje Identified Key Flaw in Ilia Topuria's Fighting Style Leading to UFC Victory
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje revealed a crucial element of Ilia Topuria's fighting strategy that he and his team anticipated, which ultimately contributed to their surprise victory in their title fight at UFC Freedom 250.
Following his impressive TKO win over Topuria, which marked the latter's first professional loss, Gaethje is now eyeing his next title defense. While a rematch with Topuria is not immediately on the horizon, there are indications from matchmakers that it could be considered in the future.
Gaethje's aggressive approach was a significant factor in his successful title acquisition. For the first time since the event, Gaethje has shared insights into how he and his coaching staff prepared for Topuria.
Gaethje Highlights Topuria's Predictable Footwork Pattern
During a recent appearance on the MightyCast podcast, Gaethje discussed the Topuria fight and a central aspect of his game plan for UFC Freedom 250.
"I guess the best explanation for you to understand is his feet never change rhythms," Gaethje stated about Topuria's fighting style. "He never changes rhythm with his feet. It’s always pop, pop, pop, pop, and it’s forwards or backwards. He’s very rarely moving laterally, and that’s how he fights."
"So ultimately it’s like timing his feet and interrupting. The game plan was to interrupt his feet, especially when it’s so constant. It’s very easy to predict, and I’ve never seen him alter from that," Gaethje explained, as reported by MMA Fighting.
At present, the timeline for Topuria's return to the Octagon remains unclear. Commentator Joe Rogan recently advised Topuria against rushing back into a rematch with Gaethje.
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