Wittman Says Topuria Blew Round 2 Finish Chance in Gaethje's 4-Round UFC 250 Loss
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 16
Wittman Says Topuria Blew Round 2 Finish Chance in Gaethje's 4-Round UFC 250 Loss
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 16
Summary
Trevor Wittman said Ilia Topuria's key error came in Round 2, when he followed Justin Gaethje to the ground after a damaging body shot instead of pressing a finish.
That decision let Gaethje recover, Wittman said, because the new champion is durable, knows when to buy time, and was able to survive the worst moment of the fight.
Wittman said Gaethje's plan was to use footwork, left-side angles and early high kicks—not low kicks—to avoid Topuria's hooks, draw him forward and attack his power hand.
Fatigue was central to the strategy: Wittman waited for Topuria to fade into a defensive stance and shift to his rear leg, then told Gaethje to turn the fight into a jab-heavy pressure battle.
Gaethje's corner stopped Topuria after the fourth round at the UFC White House event, giving Gaethje the undisputed title Wittman said he had long earned through repeated championship fights.