T. Ferguson (left) and J. Gaethje (right) meet before the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
This Saturday (9), Justin gaethje will be the most important fight of his MMA career to date. Responsible for heading the UFC 249, which takes place in Jacksonville (USA), the North American will have the difficult role of defeating Tony Ferguson in the dispute for the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.). Aware of the task, the athlete clarified the reason why he thinks the 'Bogeyman' is a more complicated rival than the linear champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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“We've seen him (Ferguson) get hit, but we've never seen him get finished. No one has ever put Edson (Barboza) to sleep like he did (in 2015). I know how hard it will be to find a hit, but I only need one and I have the skills and strength to connect it. Tony is a unique fighter and it will take time and patience to understand how to be successful against him”, said Justin, in an interview with 'MMA Fighting'.
Gaethje also spoke about the difference between facing 'El Cucuy' and fighting against the current champion, Khabib. For Justin, Tony presents himself as a more versatile opponent, which makes it difficult to impose a more specific game strategy.
“There are a lot of unknowns regarding Tony. You know what Khabib is going to do and that is put you down and press you against the bars. If he doesn’t, he’ll try to land blows in the center of the octagon,” explained the lightweight.
Finally, Justin stated that he does not have a concrete plan on how he will defeat one of the most feared athletes in the division. The fact, however, does not prevent the fighter from maintaining focus to achieve what many consider impossible.
“I believe he can't take me down in the center of the octagon and I can stay away from the bars. The puzzle is written. How to defeat Tony? I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” he concluded.
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