Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Justin Gaethje Defends Stand-Up Game Plan in Pimblett Win, Eyes Topuria Unification

He says skipping hooks and pressing forward safeguarded position against Paddy Pimblett, prompting new scrutiny over whether that approach can withstand Ilia Topuria’s power.

Overview

  • At a Super Bowl week flag football event, Demetrious Johnson asked Gaethje why he didn’t wrestle more, leading Gaethje to explain that he avoids putting hooks in because he consistently loses position.
  • Gaethje said he relied on front headlocks and relentless pressure, adding that constant forward movement kept Pimblett from finding clean takedown entries.
  • Assessing Pimblett’s offense, Gaethje said he could walk through the leg kicks, which emboldened him to keep the fight on the feet and push the pace.
  • He later described a first‑minute read he uses in fights, saying Pimblett’s power felt manageable, so he chose to stand in range and trade.
  • Looking ahead, Gaethje said he expects a June unification bout with Ilia Topuria, as Daniel Cormier cautioned him against trading recklessly with the champion’s punching power.