Alexandre Topuria has broken down Justin Gaethje's striking approach in a recent video analysis. He notes that Gaethje picks his moments to strike when opponents are standing directly in front of him, but becomes vulnerable during his own attacks. Alexandre emphasizes that trading with Gaethje during his offensive moments is a double-edged sword and fighters must be selective with their counters. He points out that Gaethje is especially open to counterpunches when attacking because he doesn't strike cleanly, making defensive awareness critical when facing him.
Alexandre Topuria, younger brother of pound-for-pound number one Ilia Topuria, has released a video breakdown dissecting the striking tendencies of lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, offering a detailed look at what he sees as key patterns in "The Highlight's" offensive game.
The analysis comes from a fighter with growing credentials of his own. Alexandre competes in the featherweight division and trains alongside his brother at Climent Club in Spain, giving him access to one of the sport's most analytically sharp camps.
The subject of the breakdown, Justin Gaethje, holds the lightweight title at 37 years old and carries a 28-5 record. The Arizona native is one of the division's most feared strikers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect both his output and his precision under pressure.
Alexandre's central finding is that Gaethje is selective about when he engages, preferring to attack opponents who are squared up directly in front of him. However, Alexandre argues that Gaethje's own offensive moments create openings, suggesting he does not always strike cleanly during his combinations, leaving him exposed to counterpunches. The takeaway, according to Alexandre, is that trading blindly with Gaethje during his offensive bursts carries serious risk, and opponents must exercise patience and discipline with their counter selections.
The analysis is notable given that his brother Ilia, ranked second at lightweight with a 17-1 record, is a natural contender for a shot at the belt Gaethje currently holds. Ilia averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds a takedown threat at nearly two attempts per 15 minutes, making him a stylistically complex challenge for any opponent.
Why it matters
- Gaethje is the reigning lightweight champion and Ilia Topuria is the division's second-ranked contender, making any tactical study between the camps relevant to a potential title fight
- The breakdown highlights counter-striking vulnerabilities that could shape a game plan against Gaethje
- Alexandre's detailed breakdown signals the Topuria camp is actively studying the champion's tendencies
