Gaethje promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Days after winning the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), Justin gaethje opened up behind the scenes of the victory over Ilia Topuria No. UFC White HouseThe American explained how he built the strategy that neutralized the then champion and guaranteed one of the biggest results of his career. The fight took place last Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA), according to Justin, the fight plan completely surprised the then belt holder.
In an interview on the Pat McAfee Show on YouTube, Gaethje explained that the strategy was designed to take Topuria out of his comfort zone from the very first minutes. According to the champion, the combination of constant movement, body attacks, and punches to the face prevented the Georgian from finding the rhythm he usually imposes on his opponents.
See too
“I created angles, but I landed straight punches to his body and face. I managed to reposition his feet every one or two seconds. I fought perfectly. He was completely caught off guard. I said, 'When we get to rounds two and three, you're going to be in hell.' And that's exactly what happened,” revealed the new lightweight champion.
The statement reinforces the impression left during the main event. After a balanced first round, and a better second round from his opponent, the American took control of the action, increasing the volume of strikes compared to his adversary and imposing constant pressure.
As the rounds progressed, the Georgian fighter struggled to match the intensity of his opponent, who managed to neutralize many of his main weapons and controlled the fight until the corner stoppage. Ilia Topuria at the end of the fourth round.
The result represented one of the greatest triumphs of Gaethje's career. Known for his aggressive style and memorable battles inside the octagon, he returned to the top of the division by ending Topuria's undefeated run in the UFC and regaining the lightweight title. Beyond the title, the victory solidified a performance that the fighter himself considers one of the most complete of his career within the organization.
What's the next step for the new champion?
Gaethje celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Now, with the title in his possession, Gaethje becomes the man to beat in one of the most competitive divisions in the organization. Names like Charles of the Bronx, Arman Tsarukyan and even a rematch against Ilia Topuria They appear as potential candidates for the next title fight.
While the UFC has yet to determine who the next challenger will be, the champion is taking the opportunity to celebrate a victory that he considers one of the most complete performances of his career and which, in his own words, turned the decisive rounds into a true "hell" for the former champion.
Read More about: Ilia Topuria, Justin gaethje, MMA, UFC, UFC White House, Ultimate
Comments