Justin Gaethje has described Ilia Topuria as "very easy to predict" during their June fight at the White House, where Gaethje handed Topuria his first loss and became the undisputed lightweight champion. Gaethje, 37, stopped the Spanish-Georgian fighter in four rounds at the UFC event held on the South Lawn.
Speaking to UFC legend Demetrious Johnson, Gaethje attributed Topuria's defeat to "emotional mistakes" made in the 12 weeks leading up to the fight. He suggested Topuria, 29, was attempting to replicate past successful performances, including celebrating victories in advance.
Gaethje explained his strategy, noting that Topuria's footwork rhythms were consistently predictable, moving only forwards or backwards with little lateral movement. This allowed Gaethje to time and interrupt his opponent's feet. Despite Gaethje's previous claims that Topuria is undeserving of a rematch, commentator Jon Anik believes it is the UFC's most likely next move.