This weekend, the UFC‘s undisputed lightweight championship is on the line. The champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0). will take on the interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2), to determine who is the best lightweight in the UFC.
All who have stepped into a UFC octagon across from Khabib Nurmagomedov has failed. The Russian superstar has ragdolled every opponent on his way to his perfect 28-0 record. Nobody has been able to solve the Nurmagomedov puzzle.
Justin Gaethje plans on being the man to solve that puzzle at UFC 254. Gaethje grew up in the sport of wrestling, but it’s been his exciting striking wars that have captivated fans. His brutal power and brawling style have played up to his nickname of the highlight.
Everything came together for Gaethje at UFC 249 when he fought Tony Ferguson. For the first time, Gaethje didn’t appear wild when he fought. He was composed and executed a game plan. In return, he picked apart Ferguson on his way to capturing the UFC‘s interim lightweight title.
He knows and understands that Khabib Nurmagomedov is a different animal. However, the one positive about fighting Nurmagomedov is that there is no secret to his game plan. Gaethje plans on keeping the fight standing and doing big damage on Saturday night.
UFC Fight for the Ages
“My athleticism is going to cause him serious issues. He’s not going to be able to do what he wants when he wants. He’s going to have to take chances. And when he’s on his feet I’m going to be causing massive damage to his legs, his body, and his face,” Gaethje told BT Sport.
I will say this, Gaethje is the biggest test in the UFC for Khabib. When it comes to the skillset that he brings, he does pose some problems for the UFC‘s lightweight champion. Gaethje does have the grappling and scrambling skills to keep the fight standing.
Leg kicks could be a massive factor in this fight. Gaethje possesses some of the most devastating leg kicks in the sport and he only needs to land a few to make an impact. Sure, leg kicks make him suceptible to the takedown, but again, if a few land they will cause damage.
The UFC‘s interim lightweight champion will definitely have the advantage on the feet. Gaethje’s striking has looked sensational in his last couple of outings. If Gaethje can keep the fight standing Saturday night, he very well could walk away the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.