Justin Gaethje Fighting Style: Why Does the BMF Not Wrestle During His Fights?

Justin Gaethje is set to take on Max Holloway at UFC 300 in a highly anticipated ‘BMF’ belt title defense. Gaethje is one of the most prominent fighters in the UFC and was the former interim lightweight champion. ‘Highlight’ is on a 2 fight-winning streak and seems like he would like to turn this match in his favor.

‘Highlight’ is known for his incredible power behind his punches. Khabib Nurmagomedov stated that in his entire career, no one hit him with as much force as Gaethje. This statement by the former undisputed lightweight champion came out to be true when ‘Highlight’ knocked out Dustin Poirier in their rematch. Ahead of Gaethje’s clash against one of the best boxers in the UFC, Holloway, let us have a look at his fighting style and MMA background.

Justin Gaethje’s striking is his best ground

Fighting out of Safford, Arizona, Justin Gaethje is one of the best fighters on the UFC roster and probably one of the best-uncrowned champions of all time. The ‘Highlight’ has wins over many tough opponents and most of his victories came by way of knockout, such is the power of Gaethje. According to former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gaethje hits like a truck.

In his initial fights, Justin Gaethje was considered to be a heavy hitter, despite never using particular techniques. Regardless, Gaethje remains the powerhouse of hard-hitting. He manipulates͏ the distance adeptly, allowing him to inflic͏t significant damage on the counter. He demonstrates a strong ability to strike effectively from his back foot, maintaining the ability to shift his weight into each punch.

Yet, despite his hard-hitting hands, Gaethje believes that Sambo is the best base for MMA. In a conversation with Cageside Press Gaethje said, “I don’t (think wrestling is best). I think what these Russians are doing is better. I think it’s wrestling with submissions from a young age. And I think it translates over better.It takes a while to learn to go to your back intuitively when you’re a wrestler your whole life. And that’s something that can get you in trouble in this game.”

JustinGaethje considers Sambo to be the best as he knows that wrestling has time and time again disappointed him. Let’s have a look at Gaethje’s wrestling abilities.

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‘The Highlight’ is a wrestling pro as well

Gaethje embarked on his wrestling journey at the tender age of four. Excelling in the sport, he clinched the title of two-time Arizona state champion during his tenure at Safford High School. Further advancing his prowess, he also earned the distinguished status of NCAA Division I All-American while representing the University of Northern Colorado.

Justin Gaethje is a wrestling professional with prominent wins in his career, however, the ‘Highlight’ likes to employ wrestling to keep his opponent off the track so that he can knock them out of the park. In his 12 UFC fights, Gaethje has defeated his opponents by way of knockout 8 times and by way of submission only twice.

What are your thoughts on Gaethje’s fighting style? Do you believe he can emerge victorious against Max Holloway? State your thoughts in the comments below.

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