Ilia Topuria and his team are adopting a rather curious approach to strategy. Scheduled for the main event of UFC Casa Branca on June 14th, the Spaniard faces Justin Gaethje in a title fight for the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg), and to increase his chances of victory, he decided to structure his plan from his opponent's perspective.
In an interview with Vic Blends, Topuria explained that as soon as the fight was confirmed, he and his team began studying the matchup as if they were in Gaethje's corner.
“As soon as we had confirmation that we were going to fight Justin, the first thing I would do with my team would be to sit in front of the screen and dive in as if we were Justin's team,” said Ilia Topuria.
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According to Topuria, the idea was to analyze his own fights from the perspective of his rival, build an ideal strategy for the American, and from that, develop the game plan he intends to use in the fight.
“Like, we have to advise Justin on how he should fight Ilia, and we start watching my fights, from Justin's team's perspective. We strategize for Justin, and based on Justin's strategy, we build our own strategy,” the Spaniard concluded.
See photos of how UFC White House will work.
UFC octagon set up with the White House in the background. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc
UFC Fan Fest set up on the White House lawn. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc
UFC White House
UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.
In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Spaniard Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against the interim title holder, American Justin Gaethje.
Alex Poatan in the spotlight
Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Brazil will be represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion is seeking the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane.
Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. They face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.
UFC White House fight schedule
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – Title fight
Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Alex Poatan vs. Ciryl Gane – Interim title fight
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Kyle Daukaus x Bo Nickal
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steve Garcia vs. Diego Lopes
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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