Justin Gaethje has never hidden from a bloodbath, and he is not changing that approach ahead of his clash with Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom Fights 250 on June 14 at the White House.
The former interim lightweight champion knows the challenge in front of him. Topuria enters the bout as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport, but Gaethje believes discipline, positioning, and pressure could be the key to pulling off the upset.
Gaethje focused on controlling distance against Topuria
During an interview with Grind Street Media, Gaethje explained what stands out most about Topuria’s style and why positioning will be critical once the cage door closes.
His specifically is more of a boxing style when it comes to range and space and timing and his position.”
Gaethje pointed to the size difference as another factor he has been preparing for throughout camp.
“He’s shorter than me! You really don’t wanna have your head too much higher than these guys that are throwing throwing shots, missiles.”
The Arizona native said his preparation has centered on controlling the geography of the fight rather than allowing Topuria to dictate exchanges.
“I have to control space. I have to control his feet, and I really have to be diligent in my defense.”
Watch the full interview here
“The Highlight” wants to drag Topuria in his kind of fight
Gaethje also made it clear that he does not plan on overthinking Topuria’s striking. Instead, he wants to lean on the style that carried him to the top of the lightweight division.
“I have to constantly be be winning the angle battle and the distance battle.”
“I cannot go backwards. I cannot get my head or my chest over my ass, getting too tall.”
He added that his coaching staff has drilled those details repeatedly during training camp.
“I can’t get pushed to my left. But these are all very specific things that my coach is is instilling into my workouts.”
While many opponents have frozen under Topuria’s pressure, Gaethje said his focus remains on maximizing his own strengths.
Gaethje believes his movement and reactions can create problems for the undefeated champion.
“I’m gonna use my footwork. I’m gonna use my angles and ability to create and control distance. My reaction time, which I believe is faster than anybody.”
Gaethje promises another violent performance
Confidence has never been an issue for Gaethje, and that mindset has not changed heading into one of the biggest fights of his career.
“I gotta trust in what I what I possess. And I have to really go in there and implement my kind of fight and my game plan rather than being, like, reactive.”
Gaethje acknowledged the threat Topuria brings to the Octagon, but he still expects his own preparation to make the difference.
“I am here for a reason. I’m here because I’m one of the best in the world. I am fighting a guy that is absolutely incredible, but I have a great coach and we’re going to have a great plan.”
As for what that plan ultimately looks like on fight night, Gaethje delivered a familiar promise.
“I’m going to change his face, just like I always do to all my opponents.”