Justin Gaethje wants to add his name to the list of great American sports stories.
Next weekend, Gaethje takes on Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title in the main event of UFC White House. Given the enormity of the event, the bout will possibly be the most viewed fight in UFC history, and is likely the final opportunity for Gaethje to win an undisputed UFC title. But, heading into the bout, Gaethje is an enormous betting underdog, coming in at nearly a 5-to-1 odds. But the two-time interim lightweight champion says this is nothing new.
“I love it,” Gaethje told TMZ Sports about being such a big underdog. “For one, my style of fighting is so special that, in a way, people just don’t understand what’s going on. There’s no reason — I’ve had 15 fights in UFC, I think I’ve been the underdog 13 times. I’ve won 10 of those fights. So this has happened every time. Why? I don’t know.”
Gaethje’s numbers are slightly off. In 15 UFC fights, Gaethje has been an underdog 11 times, winning eight of those fights, including most recently upsetting Paddy Pimblett to win the interim title at UFC 324 in January.
But unlike the Pimblett fight, Gaethje understands why Topuria is the favorite in this matchup. Still, he plans to deliver something worthy of the America 250 celebration when he steps into the cage at UFC White House.
“This one specifically I understand,” Gaethje said. “He knocked out Max Holloway; Max Holloway knocked me out. He knocked out Charles Oliveira; Charles Oliveira finished me. So, it makes perfect sense. But it’s 25 minutes in time. I get to control my destiny, and what an opportunity.
“This is Miracle On Ice type of energy that I’m trying to drive into this country. And I have an opportunity to do something special. I could not ask for anything better.”
UFC White House takes place on June 14th, and also features an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
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VIDEO STEW
Between The Links.
These specialty promos are good.
More interviews.
Onslaught Trailer with Alex Pereira.
Chael Sonnen stumping for the UFC.
Marcus McGhee fight prep.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Look, I laughed.
Lol.
Fans.
Good luck.
Maybe he constantly has a lip in?
Quite the spread.
FEED ME MORE
Shotgun.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Justin Gaethje is doing his level best to sell this fight and make people believe he has a chance. I sincerely wish he did, because it would be super cool for him to pull off this upset. Alas, we aren’t allowed to have fun things in MMA.
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