Gaethje Reveals The Key Flaw He Exploited Against Topuria

Justin Gaethje says a predictable footwork pattern in Ilia Topuria's game was central to his gameplan in the upset title win at UFC Freedom 250.

"I guess the best explanation for you to understand is his feet never change rhythms. He never changes rhythm with his feet. It's always pop, pop, pop, pop, and it's forwards or backwards. He's very rarely moving laterally, and that's how he fights. So ultimately it's like timing his feet and interrupting. The game plan was to interrupt his feet, especially when it's so constant. It's very easy to predict, and I've never seen him alter from that," Gaethje

Gaethje's win handed Topuria the first loss of his career. Play-by-play commentator Jon Anik has suggested a rematch is under serious consideration, though Gaethje's first title defense could instead come against the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy.