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Check out the fourth episode of Embedded for UFC 254.
UFC 254 is almost here, and as usual, Embedded is here as well. The show that gives you an inside look at the marquee contestants on PPVs has issued the fourth episode for this weekend’s big show on Fight Island, and it serves as a brief introduction to the fighters at the top of the card.
We start off at the W Hotel, in Robert Whittaker’s room. His coach says that Whittaker is usually pretty anti-social on fight week, choosing to just play video games in his room more often than not. The coach is very complimentary of opponent Jared Cannonier.
Over in Justin Gaethje’s room, they’re having some fun with sparring. Trevor Wittman breaks down what Gaethje needs to bring to the fight, and not waste in training.
Khabib is just worried about focus a few days out. He does some media, saying Gaethje is in his prime, but tiring a man will get him off his mental game. He’s talking to DC, saying that Cormier only tries once to take a man down. He’ll try over and over. They crack a few jokes.
Cannonier is looking to do damage and not let it go to the judges.
Gaethje does media. He says there may be questions about his cardio, because his only two losses were the longest fights of his career. He talks about his wrestling and how it matches up to Khabib’s.
Dana White gets a press conference started. He says Khabib is one of the biggest stars in sports, not just in MMA. Khabib says that he knows Gaethje is very dangerous in the first round, but it’s what happens in the later rounds that matters. Gaethje doesn’t take offense to it, and says he just uses it as motivation. He beat Tony Ferguson to get this spot, and he’s going to fight for his life.
They shake hands and face off respectfully. Gaethje doesn’t want to hold his interim belt, again. He says that he wants Khabib’s belt. Khabib doesn’t react initially, but taps him on the shoulder after the photos are taken. Respect.
And that’s it! UFC 254 goes down in a few short hours in Abu Dhabi.