“I Can’t Take Shortcuts”- Justin Gaethje Reveals Training Regime for UFC 249

Justin Gaethje struck gold when the opportunity to fight for the Interim title came flying to him. In order to avoid missing this opportunity, Gaethje relaxed his condition regarding short-notice fights.

Unfortunately, all the endless efforts he put in in that short span of time went down the drain, as the event on 18th April never saw the light of the day.

In an interview with Bret Okamoto, Gaethje revealed that he stopped training when he came to know about the cancellation. describing all he went through upon hearing the cancellation, he said,

“It was the saddest, most relieving thing I’ve ever experienced! Once I turned it on, you know, I was all in. And then, when they called it off, it was kind of a relief! Because essentially, I wasn’t getting the time needed or wanted. It wasn’t the circumstances that I’d prefer. Luckily, I’ve been training and sparring. So, my body wasn’t bad. I was able to get down to 67-68, no problem.”

“The Highlight” was apparently preparing for a huge fight this year. He explained that his last fight was last year, and he was expecting to fight in a huge event, which is why he did not let his body get out of shape.

“Nothing’s changed for me”- Justin Gaethje

Coming to how his training is going, what with all the coronavirus-related restriction, Gaethje said,

“Nothing’s changed for me. I mean, other than when I’m [with] my whole team. There’s like 20-30 people in there. But, if it’s just my training partners, there’s like 6 of us. And two coaches. The [surest] and fastest way for me [to die] right now is to not be prepared for the fight and do the fight. I can’t take shortcuts. I can’t not have teammates over here.”

Apparently, Justin is in isolation with other training partners, including UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman, and his coaches.

Regarding his training regime and gameplan, Gaethje places complete trust in “the people that surround” him. In a circumstance as uncertain and pressuring as this one, he completely trusts his head coach, Trevor Whittman, and everyone involved in getting him ready for the fight, to do the right thing, saying,

“I really trust the people that lead me to be ready for the fight.”

How do you think the super-fight between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje will pan out?