Justin Gaethje is known to inflict damage, and he plans on doing the same to Ilia Topuria.
Interim lightweight champion Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) will look to unify his belt with undisputed champ Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14 (Paramount+).
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Gaethje has found a way to remain in the title picture throughout his UFC career. After tough losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway, Gaethje rebounded every time. A two-time UFC interim champ, Gaethje gets his third shot at undisputed gold against Topuria.
“Coming off of losses, I’m much more dangerous than I am coming off wins,” Gaethje told Grind City Media. “That’s the human mind, and it’s just a tricky, tricky situation to be in when you’re being successful, to stay as committed to the process as you need to. But there’s always a UFC 300 quick reminder – nice knockout.
“So again, I’m training with the thought of I just got knocked out by Max Holloway. I have had two wins since then, and yeah, it’s been awesome. They tried to get rid of me. They don’t want to get rid of me – obviously I’m a great fighter for the company. But I have held off these young, up-and-coming (fighters).”
Gaethje has left the likes of Paddy Pimblett, Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev and Tony Ferguson bloodied and battered after defeating them. Although Topuria is unbeaten in his career, Gaethje says fighting him is a different experience.
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“These guys are all up-and-comers, and they’re all coming for me,” Gaethje said. “Every time I’ve got the opportunity, I have held them off. 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. I’m going to change his face, just like I always do to all my opponents.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Justin Gaethje: I’m going to change Ilia Topuria’s face
