Justin Gaethie revealed on the Joe Rogan podcast that he does not drink water during training, including during intense conditioning work, saying he drinks only before and after sessions. His trainer Trevor Wittman confirmed he did not give Gaethie water during any of the five rounds of his fight against Tony Ferguson. Gaethie added that during his bout with Ilia Topuria he was made to drink water against his usual preference.
Justin Gaethje revealed on the Joe Rogan Experience that he has a longstanding practice of avoiding water entirely during training sessions, consuming fluids only before and after workouts — including during the most demanding conditioning work.
Gaethje's longtime trainer Trevor Wittman confirmed the habit extends into competition, stating he did not give Gaethje water at any point during his five-round fight against Tony Ferguson. Ferguson, now 42, holds a professional record of 26-11-0 and built his reputation as one of the most durable and relentless fighters in the lightweight division. The American, who trains out of Knuckleheadz MMA, carries a 76-inch reach and averages 4.91 significant strikes landed per minute, making him one of the higher-volume offensive fighters Gaethje has faced.
Gaethje added that the routine was broken during his bout with Ilia Topuria, where he was given water against his usual preference. Topuria, currently ranked number two at lightweight and the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the sport, carries a record of 17-1-0. The 29-year-old representing Spain averages 4.81 significant strikes landed per minute with 48 percent accuracy and adds a strong grappling dimension, averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The disclosure offers a rare look at the unconventional conditioning and hydration methods used at elite MMA levels.
- Wittman's confirmation that the approach is applied in live competition, not just training, adds credibility and raises questions about performance and recovery.
- The contrast between the Ferguson fight, where the routine was followed, and the Topuria bout, where it was not, provides an interesting variable in how Gaethje has prepared and performed across major fights.
