Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez has outlined critical tactics for Justin Gaethje to employ in his upcoming title unification fight against Ilia Topuria on June 14. The main event of UFC Freedom 250, taking place at the White House, pits Gaethje against the heavily favored Topuria.
While Topuria has confidently predicted a first-round knockout, Gaethje has vowed to take the fight deep and secure a finish. Alvarez, who has previously fought Gaethje, believes that for “The Highlight” to have a chance at dethroning “El Matador,” he must adapt his usual defensive approach.
In an interview with Mike Bohn, Alvarez stressed that Gaethje cannot afford to maintain a high guard or “hard cover” against Topuria. Instead, he needs to actively engage and exchange strikes with the undefeated challenger. Alvarez emphasized that Gaethje must be willing to take risks and trade blows when Topuria is looking to strike.
“Justin does this hardcover. He cannot do that. He cannot have a hardcover. He has to punch with Ilia. When Ilia goes to exchange, Justin has to go in. He has to take that risk. That’s a risk that both guys are going to have to take in order to win and score a knockout here,” Alvarez stated.
Furthermore, Alvarez suggested that Gaethje should focus on attacking Topuria’s lead leg from the outset. This strategy, he believes, will slow down Topuria and give Gaethje a significant advantage.
“Justin should go back to calf kicks. Ilia is front-foot heavy because he loves to box. If Justin goes back to them, damaging, smashing leg kicks, he can really turn this fight into something else that people won’t realize… He has to smash that leg. He has to continuously smash that lead leg and make sure at some point that becomes a factor where we see Ilia start switching to southpaw and does so much damage on that leg that Ilia can no longer use his jab or his striking effectively,” Alvarez explained.