‘He’s Not as Powerful… He Doesn’t Have Explosive Takedowns’- Justin Gaethje Says Charles Oliveira’s Skill Set Doesn’t Compare to His Own Ahead of UFC 274

Posted on by Matt James

UFC lightweight star Justin Gaethje is all set to make his second run at undisputed UFC gold when he takes on Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. ‘Do Bronx’ has been on a tear as of late and he definitively put away Dustin Poirier in his last fight to cement his position as the champion.

Additionally, Oliveira is looking to extend his streak for the most finishes in UFC history and there’s no denying that Gaethje has a tough battle waiting for him in the octagon.

However, ‘The Highlight’ believes he is well prepared to stand up to the challenge and is looking to put it on the Brazilian. While speaking to Megan Olivi, Justin Gaethje revealed that he’s done everything in his power to turn in a ‘perfect’ performance.

“This is a world championship fight. I have to be the best in the world for 25 minutes, not for right now, not in this interview, I don’t gotta say the perfect things now… I’m going to be perfect and I’m going to be perfect for 25 minutes.”

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Justin Gaethje believes Charles Oliveira has some work to do

While talking to Olivi, Gaethje also candidly expressed how he stacked up Oliveira as a champion in one of the most competitive weightclasses in the UFC. Given his overall assessment, it’s safe to say he sees some holes in Charles Oliveira’s game.

“If he can beat me then kudos to him, but he’s going to have to walk through hell like Khabib did.”

 

“He’s not as powerful, he doesn’t have the structure. He doesn’t have the frame. He doesn’t have explosive takedowns. He’s going to have to find me making a mistake, over-reaching, and try to get into a grappling situation. Outside that, he better be praying that he gets me to the ground.”

Gaethje has had the benefit of going toe-to-toe with the very best that the division has to offer, and he’s certainly a challenger not to be taken lightly. Having given Nurmagomedov a fairly challenging test until he was ultimately choked out, Gaethje feels he can put away the current champion.