Gaethje explains the read that unraveled Topuria at UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje believes Ilia Topuria’s predictability — and perhaps his own confidence — cost him the UFC lightweight crown in June, when Gaethje stopped the previously undefeated champion at the White House event.

Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) captured the title via doctor stoppage between the fourth and fifth rounds, handing Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) the first defeat of his career. Topuria suffered fractures to both orbital bones and his nose in the bout. The setback came after the Spaniard had knocked out three consecutive champions and entered as the betting favorite.

Speaking to former UFC flyweight king Demetrious Johnson on Johnson’s YouTube channel, Gaethje argued the champion’s preparation betrayed him. He pointed to the 12 weeks leading into the fight, suggesting Topuria had grown accustomed to dominance and overlooked the danger of the matchup.

“He forgot who he was and how dangerous this game is,” Gaethje said, adding that Topuria appeared to be trying to replicate his previous perfect performances — even holding the same celebratory parties beforehand.

Breaking the rhythm

Gaethje also detailed the technical key to his victory: Topuria’s footwork rarely varies. The former champion said his opponent moves almost exclusively forward and backward in a constant rhythm, with very little lateral movement. By timing and interrupting those entries, Gaethje said he was able to change the course of the fight, though he had to survive a second-round body-shot knockdown before rallying.

What’s next

The storyline may not be over. UFC CEO Dana White said this week that a rematch between the two could serve as both fighters’ next outing. Gaethje, however, has repeatedly dismissed a second meeting since winning the belt in June, and at 37, his title reign will be one of the more closely followed narratives in the sport heading into the promotion’s next matchmaking cycle.

UFC parent TKO Group Holdings saw its shares trade at $188.60 on Wednesday, down 1.3% from the prior close of $191.08, valuing the entertainment company at roughly $35.2 billion.

What to watch

• Official announcement of both fighters’ next bouts, and whether a Gaethje–Topuria rematch is finalized despite Gaethje’s public reluctance.
• Timeline for Topuria’s recovery from his facial fractures.
• TKO Group’s next earnings report for updates on event revenue and fight card scheduling.

Source: original release