Justin
Gaethje targeted a predictable pattern in Ilia
Topuria’s movement at the
Ultimate Fighting Championship’s White House event.
Gaethje survived a difficult second round before taking control and
forcing a corner stoppage to capture the lightweight title at
UFC Freedom 250. He recently opened up about exploiting certain
weaknesses in Topuria’s game.
Justin Gaethje breaks down the footwork pattern he targeted
against Ilia Topuria
Speaking to UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious
Johnson, Gaethje explained that Topuria’s limited footwork and
lack of lateral movement made him a clear target throughout the
fight.
“I guess the best explanation for you to understand is his feet
never change rhythm,” Gaethje said. “He never changes rhythm with
his feet. It’s forwards or backwards. So, ultimately, it’s about
timing his feet and interrupting. The game plan was to interrupt
his feet, especially when it’s so constant.”
Gaethje also pointed to Topuria’s confidence in the buildup to the
fight influencing his mentality as the bout entered championship
rounds.
“Those are emotional mistakes in preparation,” Gaethje added. “So,
he wasn’t prepared for what happened that night. And that’s his
fault, because he didn’t think that it was possible for someone to
be there with him for that long, or whatever it was; he forgot who
he was and how dangerous his game is. Every fight is so individual
and nothing matters.”