TJ Dillashaw did not hold back when analyzing Justin Gaethje‘s performance against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Dillashaw highlighted key weaknesses in Gaethje’s strategy and warned him that these vulnerabilities could be exploited by Ilia Topuria.
Gaethje vs. Pimblett was an exciting matchup that saw both fighters land several significant strikes. The Highlight’ earned a unanimous decision to capture the interim lightweight championship.
As a result, Gaethje is now set to face Topuria, where he will attempt to capture his first undisputed UFC title. While ‘The Highlight’ is a respected veteran for what he has accomplished, Dillashaw believes he will need to significantly adjust his approach.
TJ Dillashaw Says Justin Gaethje’s UFC 324 Strategy Won’t Work on Ilia Topuria
TJ Dillashaw said that Justin Gaethje’s strategy of pressuring Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 is unlikely to work against Ilia Topuria. He identified specific areas where ‘El Matador’ could capitalize and defeat ‘The Highlight’ in devastating fashion.
While reviewing Gaethje vs. Pimblett, Dillashaw noted that ‘The Highlight’ left himself too vulnerable on the feet. He emphasized that Gaethje had a tendency to walk forward without feints and swinging strikes hoping to drop Pimblett.
Although Gaethje has shown he can absorb significant strikes, Dillashaw doubts he can withstand Topuria’s power. ‘El Matador’ has been on an impressive streak, coming off three consecutive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
Topuria has showcased his power and precision, which could prevent Gaethje being sustaining his style over five rounds. Dillashaw admitted that he is rooting for ‘The Highlight’ but fears the outcome will be a knockout win for ‘El Matador.’
“[Topuria] needs to fight Gaethje cause he’s going to flatline him,” Dillashaw said during JAXXON PODCAST‘s UFC 324 recap. “I would love if Gaethje proves me wrong and beat him. That would be awesome. I would love that. I’m rooting for Gaethje, I like Gaethje.”
He added:
“He’s awesome. The way that he fights is great. But technically, if he fights that same way he fought, he is getting flatlined,” Dillashaw said. “He didn’t throw one feint. Not one feint.”
Khalil Rountree Supports Dillashaw’s Assessment on Gaethje’s UFC 324 Performance
UFC light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree also supports Dillashaw’s take on Gaethje’s UFC 324 performance. He noted that ‘The Highlight’ is at the later stage of his career and cannot afford to take the same risks.
During the episode of JAXXON PODCAST, Roundtree acknowledged Gaethje’s success in pressuring Pimblett throughout the fight. However, he emphasized that there is a stark difference between ‘The Baddy’s power and Topuria’s.
Rountree said that Gaethje cannot leave himself vulnerable, as Topuria can knock him out.
“[Gaethje] walked Paddy down as if he had no fear. But he also ate a lot of shots,” Rountree said. “Yeah, Paddy went down. Cool. But Gaethje cannot take punches like that from Ilia Topuria. Everybody who watches fighting knows that.”
It is unclear when Topuria vs. Gaethje will take place. But if Gaethje gets his wish, it will take place at the White House event in June.
TJ Dillashaw Doesn’t Hold Back on Justin Gaethje’s UFC 324 Performance