WATCH: Justin Gaethje Showcases Intense Training Videos for Khabib Nurmagomedov Match-Up

Justin Gaethje is gearing up for a UFC return to defend his interim lightweight championship at UFC 254. His opponent, the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, will put up his championship on the line on October 24, with the winner unifying the belts and reigning as the divisional king. 

‘The Highlight’ is putting in the hard yards in training as he aspires to become the first person to beat ‘The Eagle.’ The high temperatures aren’t putting him off at all. 

Gaethje shared a video on his stories where he is squeezing a t-shirt drenched in perspiration. As the person behind the camera whistles in amazement, the fighter says, “First workout done.” 

He is certainly sweating it out, which bodes well for him. This is because he is naturally losing weight as he nears the all-important fight night. In another video, we see the UFC interim lightweight champion look down as the camera and sheepishly wave. At first glance, he seems to have emerged from a swimming pool. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEF0lTtpN6j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In another video, fans get to see the fighter engage in punching on a speedball. This is something he may not have to do a lot come October 24th as ‘The Eagle’ will go for his legs and look to tie him up. 

Nevertheless, by keeping crucial muscle groups active, he may be able to battle out of a sticky situation. Also, he could aim to condition himself to not get drained should Nurmagomedov secure a leg wrap for an entire round. 

Justin Gaethje will look to secure his fifth win in a row

‘The Highlight’ won three fights in a row to position himself at a spot which led the UFC to offer him the short-notice fight at UFC 249. Here, he played spoilsport for UFC fans who wanted Tony Ferguson to win and finally set up a fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

He got an uppercut in the earlier rounds. However, he struck ‘El Cucuy’ so much that the latter himself resembled a ‘Tony Ferguson opponent.’

Referee Herb Dean called for a stop as Ferguson could not defend himself, despite defiantly remaining on his feet. Because of this stoppage, Gaethje extended his run of finishes to nine. In wins and losses, the last time ‘The Highlight’ has gone the distance was in 2014. 

Now, eleven fights later, a finish against ‘The Eagle’ may not be possible. Hence, he is conditioning himself for 25 minutes, which will feel like many more minutes when he stands across Khabib. 

What do you make of Justin Gaethje’s training for the biggest fight of his career to date?