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“The thing about Tony (Ferguson) is that Tony loves that. One thing I am sure about Khabib is that he does not love that.”
Justin Gaethje believes he has identified a potential chink in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s armour.
As dominant as Nurmagomedov is, the undefeated Dagestani doesn’t like to take damage and often shies away from danger, which is a stark contrast to Gaethje’s previous opponent Tony Ferguson, who rushes into danger headfirst from the opening bell.
Speaking to Morning Kombat in a recent interview (h/t Adam Guillen Jr. of MMA Mania) Gaethje, who battered ‘El Cucuy’ to a bloody pulp at UFC 249, vowed to force Nurmagomedov into firefight one way or another on Oct. 24.
“I create damage,” Gaethje said. “If I barely miss and barely clip you, it’s damage. Damage is done. In a 25-minute fight I will create damage one way or another. The thing about Tony (Ferguson) is that Tony loves that. One thing I am sure about Khabib is that he does not love that.”
Gaethje has also promised to make Nurmagomedov see his own blood for the first time and is curious to see how the reigning UFC lightweight champion reacts under pressure.
“I know I’m going to see his blood. I want him to see his blood and I want to see his reaction. He isn’t as crazy as me, that’s the thing. I think he is crazy and loves competition but he isn’t quite as crazy as me. He also hasn’t seen his blood many times, I’m sure. His style of fighting is not something where you are looking for blood. I bet that doesn’t even cross his mind that he will see his own blood. That has never been a factor for him.”
UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje takes place this Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Flash Forum at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.