Khabib Nurmagomedov defends his UFC lightweight title against the interim champion, Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. This is a fight the fans have been eagerly waiting for.
Many believe that Justin Gaethje is the fighter who would present the most trouble to the undefeated lightweight champion. Justin Gaethje is the best wrestler in the division if we only consider the achievements in the sport. He has vicious power, incredible pace, and precise precision. But, will that be enough to dethrone the unbeaten phenom?
Edson Barboza, who has fought both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje gave his verdict on the title fight and precited a war. Barboza stated:
“I think he is mentally more strong. Everybody knows his game. Everybody knows his gameplan and he go there and do it. I think that’s what makes him different to other guys. What he is doing in the fight, everybody knows that but nobody can stop him. I think definitely one of the best of all-time in lightweight. I am very excited for this fight. I think Gaethje is a great fighter too, he’s definitely one of the best. Two of the best guys in the world. I think it’s a 50-50 fight. It’s gonna be a big war. I am very excited.”
How can Justin Gaethje beat Khabib Nurmagomedov?
What’s so special about Khabib Nurmagomedov is everyone knows what he is going to do. But, nobody has been able to come up with a counter. But, it seems Gaethje knows the answer to Khabib’s wrestling heavy gameplan. He has stated on multiple occasions that he can not afford to allow Khabib to take the fight to the fence.
Khabib does most of the damage on the fence and not in the center of the octagon. He might struggle to take fighters down when the fight is in the center of the octagon and if the opponent has good takedown defense, which we saw in Conor fight. However, once he gets the fight to the fence it’s hard to stop him.
And Justin Gaethje is well aware of that as he looks to meet force with force and stop the takedown attempts of Khabib Nurmagomedov. But, with Khabib it’s not about whether you can stop his takedown. it’s about how long you can defend the takedowns attempts.
But, if Justin Gaethje mixes up his striking and hurt Khabib on the feet then we might be in for a huge upset at UFC 254.