Justin Gaethje believes a major shift in his mindset was the difference-maker in finally capturing the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.
After falling short in two previous title opportunities, Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) reached the summit at the UFC's recent White House event, dominating Ilia Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) to hand the previously unbeaten star the first loss of his professional career.
The victory marked a dramatic turnaround for "The Highlight," who was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in his first shot at the undisputed lightweight title at UFC 254 in 2020. He suffered a similar fate less than two years later when Charles Oliveira finished him in the opening round of their championship clash at UFC 274.
Speaking on the ONX Sports podcast this week, Gaethje explained that his approach to facing Topuria was fundamentally different from his previous title fights.
“This was very different than when I fought Charles, (or) you know, even Khabib. I was very concerned about them when I fought them. And I found that that was a huge mistake.”
Rather than focusing on the dangers posed by his opponent, Gaethje said he concentrated on executing his own game plan and controlling only what he could.
“I wasn't able to be my best self. (I was) just really worried about myself, worried about what I can't control, not anticipating his abilities and not going in there like, ‘oh, I have to stay away from his takedowns, I can't get taken down, he's going to sub me if I get taken down.’ Taking it as it comes.”
The change in mentality paid dividends. Instead of allowing Topuria's reputation to dictate his strategy, Gaethje imposed his own pace throughout the fight and produced one of the most impressive performances of his career to claim the undisputed lightweight title.
Now, after years of coming up short against some of the division's greatest champions, Gaethje believes putting the focus back on his own strengths ultimately allowed him to reach the top of the mountain.
