Gaethje's trainer trusts his pupil's wrestling to surprise Khabib at UFC 254

T. Wittman (right) believes that J. Gaethje (left) can surprise K. Nurmagomedo in wrestling. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Justin gaethje He is an athlete who likes his status as a zebra. This is how the North American shocked the MMA community by overcoming Tony Ferguson, in May 2020, and intends to do the same against the lightweight champion (70,3kg), Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC 254, an event that will be held this Saturday (24), in Abu Dhabi. For this, 'The Highlight' counts on Trevor Wittman, a coach who stood out for his strategy and advice given in the duel against Ferguson.

In the pre-show press conference, the renowned professional highlighted the importance of wrestling in combat sports, the level that Gaethje has in the sport, believes that the fact that he has not yet shown this in the octagon serves as a secret weapon and hopes May it be used against the greatest threat of all.

See too

With a mentality of never giving up, Gaethje makes predictions for the fight against Khabib: 'Go to sleep'

Justin Gaethje confesses to being a fan of Khabib Nurmagomedov, but warns him: 'He's never faced someone like me'

Justin Gaethje questions Khabib Nurmagomedov's durability: 'He doesn't like getting hit'

Justin Gaethje wants to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov to ruin Dana White and Ali Abdelaziz's plans

“I call wrestling the 'get out of jail free card.' For me, this is the most important and dominant modality of combat sports. I adapt my game plan for a title fight. We work on the fundamentals from the beginning. One thing I think we were able to do very well was keep our most important weapon hidden. Gaethje is very good at wrestling and has a unique style, but he has never had to use it. It's very difficult to have a strategy for something your opponents have never shown. Khabib is the best at what he does and I don’t think it will be easy to stop him, but that’s a little bonus we have,” Wittman said.

Despite trusting in the quality of his student, Witman also praised Khabib and had no doubts in pointing out him as the best pound-for-pound fighter today.

“This is another opportunity to face the best. I believe Khabib is the best fighter in all categories. There are athletes who put on exciting fights, but the best are those who can be more consistent and manage to have impressive victories over big names. When it comes to being consistent and that is the key to excellence, we can only remember Khabib.”

Trevor Wittman was the coach responsible for making Justin gaethje change your fighting style. Previously, the interim lightweight champion lost two fights in the UFC, the only ones of his career, due to his excessive aggression. Currently, the North American continues to be exciting to watch, and, at the same time, protects himself and applies the strategy outlined by his mentor.