Justin Gaethje Exposed Ilia Topuria's Major Weakness, According to Ex-UFC Lightweight Champion

Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar has weighed in on Justin Gaethje's recent victory over Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title at UFC 250. Edgar, who himself has recent success on the Real American Freestyle mat, believes Gaethje's performance exposed a significant vulnerability in Topuria.

The fight, which saw a significant shift in the lightweight division's hierarchy, resulted in the previously undefeated Topuria retiring on his stool due to Gaethje's relentless pressure. Edgar, present at a viewing party with fellow former champion Eddie Alvarez, expressed his admiration for Gaethje's achievement.

"Yeah, I think it’s amazing. Obviously, Justin is a friend of mine. I don’t think anybody’s more deserving, he’s been through it. There’s never been a boring fight where he didn’t put his whole all into it and for him to achieve that, that was awesome to see. The way he did it, I mean, it was a; I picked Justin Gaethje, maybe because he’s my friend and I was really hoping it happened," Edgar stated.

Edgar elaborated on Gaethje's performance, emphasizing its characteristic "guts and heart." He noted that while many anticipated a different outcome, the way Gaethje secured the win was perfectly in line with his fighting style.

"I don’t think a lot of people were thinking it was going to go down that way. But if it was gonna go down, that’s exactly the way it was going to go down. That was a straight-up Justin Gaethje fight, and I do think that jab hurt [Topuria], that cut he had. I don’t know if it was his nose or the cut on his eye," Edgar explained.

He continued, "I think that really affected Ilia. [Topuria] is just not used to not being in the driver’s seat. Fighting on his back foot, he’s just not very good at it. So that’s; Justin was able to go there and just do a typical Justin Gaethje performance. Nothing but guts and heart and get it done. It was awesome to see.”