Gaethje Reveals Topuria's Footwork Flaw He Exploited

Justin Gaethje targeted a specific footwork pattern in Ilia Topuria's game that made the Georgian predictable throughout their lightweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250.

Gaethje weathered a tough second round before seizing control and forcing a corner stoppage to claim the belt. Speaking to UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson on the MightyCast podcast, as MMA Fighting reported, Gaethje broke down the weakness he and his team identified in camp.

Gaethje On Topuria's Predictable Movement Pattern

"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 told Johnson that Topuria rarely moved laterally, instead maintaining a constant forward-or-back tempo that became easy to time. Per Sherdog, Gaethje also suggested Topuria's confidence heading into the championship rounds backfired once the fight extended beyond his expectations.

"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."

BJPenn.com reported that UFC play-by-play broadcaster Jon Anik recently hinted a rematch is under serious consideration by matchmakers, though Gaethje is expected to face the winner of Arman Tsarukyan versus Mauricio Ruffy next. A timeline for Topuria's return remains unclear.

Photo: The White House / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Justin Gaethje explains the flaw he exploited in Ilia Topuria's game
• bjpenn.com — Justin Gaethje exposes Ilia Topuria's major flaw he 'predicted' at UFC Freedom 250 | BJPenn.com