Coach Identifies Ilia Topuria Weakness Justin Gaethje Could Exploit

A coach has publicly broken down what they see as an exploitable flaw in Ilia Topuria's fighting style, pointing to a specific vulnerability that Justin Gaethje could target if the two ever meet inside the octagon.

Topuria, known as "El Matador," currently sits at number one in the pound-for-pound rankings and is ranked second in the lightweight division with a record of 17 wins and 1 loss. The 29-year-old out of Spain and Climent Club stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate, and also mixes in nearly two takedown attempts per 15 minutes along with 1.1 submission attempts in the same span, making him a legitimate threat across all phases.

Gaethje, the reigning lightweight champion, brings a sharply contrasting profile. "The Highlight" carries a 28-5 record and at 37 years old remains one of the division's most dangerous strikers. The Arizona native stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach, and his numbers reflect pure striking dominance — 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. He rarely attempts takedowns and has no submission attempts on record, meaning his game plan in any fight is built almost entirely around forward pressure and volume striking.

Why it matters

• Gaethje's height and reach advantages — four inches taller, one inch longer in reach — could create distance problems for Topuria
• The striking volume and accuracy gap between the two is significant, with Gaethje outpacing Topuria in both categories
• A potential cross-divisional dynamic adds intrigue, as both fighters currently compete in the lightweight rankings
• Any identified weakness in Topuria's game takes on added weight given his pound-for-pound top ranking and unbeaten run at the elite level