Ilia Topuria’s coach shares bold prediction for Justin Gaethje fight: ‘Those habits will cost him’

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is predicted to finish Justin Gaethje early when they fight, according to his coach.

Javi Clement, the coach of Topuria, knows how good his fighter is and expects him to make quick work of Gaethje. Clement believes Gaethje won’t get past the first round, and believes Topuria will KO Gaethje on the first real exchange they have.

“I’m not going to say 30 seconds, a minute, or two minutes. But 100 percent it would be in the first round and 100% in the first exchange,” Clement explained to Alvaro Colmenero (via MMAMania). “I am 100 percent sure that no matter how strong Justin Gaethje is. No matter how much he wants to win, when Ilia connects with you, you’re not going to walk forward.

“And if you do, the same thing that happened to Oliveira will happen to you. Oliveira wanted to walk forward and ended up on the ground. Justin has several bad habits that I’ve already analyzed very well, and those habits will cost him big if he does them on fight day.”

If Topuria does KO Gaethje in the first exchange, it would be a statement win for the champ. It would also prove just how elite he is, as Gaethje is a tough out, and when he has been knocked out, it has been later in the fight when he starts to slow down.

Ilia Topuria hopeful to return at White House

Topuria said he would take some time away from the Octagon as he dealt with his personal life, as he was going through a divorce.

Yet, Topuria has now handled all that, and he’s hopeful to return on the White House card.

“Ilia Topuria and his ex-wife have signed a settlement, and Topuria has resumed training. Aiming to return on the UFC’s card at the White House in June. No fights for the UFC’s White House card have been announced as of yet,” Marca reported.

Topuria is 17-0 as a pro and coming off a KO win over Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title.

Do you think Ilia Topuria will KO Justin Gaethje in the first round? Sound off in the comment section, PENN Nation!