Eddie Alvarez: Gaethje must counter Topuria between exchanges

Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez says Justin Gaethje's best path to upsetting Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 is catching the featherweight champ between exchanges rather than trying to lead.

According to Sherdog, Alvarez broke down the stylistic matchup on social media, warning that Topuria's sharp reflexes make it dangerous for Gaethje to initiate exchanges. Instead, Alvarez believes Gaethje needs to time his counters when Topuria is already committed to an attack.

Alvarez warns against leading on Topuria

"I think his best shot is catching him in between Ilia's exchanges. Ilia has too sharp of eyes for Justin to lead and catch him," Alvarez said in the video breakdown. "Justin has to be brave and go in between, when Ilia goes then Justin has to go."

The strategy suggests Gaethje must accept risk by staying in the pocket during Topuria's combinations, then fire back before the champion can reset. Topuria has stopped his last three opponents and repeatedly promised a first-round knockout of Gaethje.

Gaethje moves up to featherweight for the first time after a lightweight run that included wins over Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler. UFC Freedom 250 takes place Saturday night.

Source: sherdog.com