UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has issued a warning to Justin Gaethje ahead of his proposed undisputed title fight against Ilia Topuria.
One thing we all know to be true is that Ilia Topuria is one of the scariest power punchers in the recent history of mixed martial arts. He has already picked up some iconic wins over the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, and many expect to see him carry that form forward into a showdown with Justin Gaethje. ‘The Highlight’ won the UFC interim lightweight title at UFC 324, and all roads seemingly lead to the two squaring off at the White House in June.
Alas, while Gaethje has every chance of pulling off the upset, many are concerned for his health given who he’s going up against. Ilia Topuria, who is coming off the back of some personal issues that led to a hiatus from the sport, has been on a completely different level with his boxing – to the point where many feel like he could even go up to welterweight and have a similar impact.
In a recent podcast appearance, Daniel Cormier gave his thoughts on Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje, as well as Justin’s game plan in comparison to what he did against Paddy Pimblett.
Daniel Cormier on Ilia Topuria’s power
“Justin Gaethje is my friend,” Cormier said during an appearance on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson. “I’m gonna tell him, ‘Don’t do that (go blow for blow) with Ilia Topuria, man.’
“You can’t do that with him. He hits so hard.
“When he and Charles Oliveira were fighting, by the time Charles Oliveira hit the ground, he was already sleeping, man. Ilia hit him two to three times on the way down,” he added.
Quotes via Bloody Elbow