Justin Gaethje on training with Kamaru Usman & Rose Namajunas for UFC 268 | ESPN MMA

ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto speaks with Justin Gaethje about how he’s feeling a few weeks away
from his UFC 268 fight vs. Michael Chandler.
0:00 Why he hired a chef.
3:41 Training with Kamaru Usman & Rose Namajunas, who also compete on Nov. 6.
6:12 His motivation to beat Chandler.
8:10 What he expects rom Chandler.
11:33 His expectations for Rose and Kamaru at UFC 268.
#UFC #UFC268 #Gaethje
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[@Sam-ng3of]

8:40 This is spot on. So many fans don't understand this. Getting knocked out doesn't necessarily mean you have a weak chin. A well timed punch, when the opponent is slightly off balance or in the process of throwing a punch themselves, can knock anyone out. Its about timing and comes down to millimeters. Not just about power and chin.

[@macjames2361]

Kelvin is the same way, u can drop him but u won’t put that guys lights out

[@Sam-ng3of]

@@macjames2361 Like I've seen people say Makhachev has no chin just because he stumbled against a very well timed hook from Davi Ramos. If you actually watch it, they both punched each other at the same time and both got semi rocked. And his loss against Martins isn't enough to say he has a weak chin for me bc that was an early stoppage when he was about to pull guard, almost had one hook in. Took a bomb or two from Dober and wasn't rocked at all.

[@beautifulaffliction1742]

@@Sam-ng3of high iq

[@kamikazeplays6818]

@@Sam-ng3of kelvin has never been out machachev was stiff out and had no cordination he doesnt have a great chin its average but not bad just average

[@Link00TMM]

While it does have a lot to do with power and technique the real reason the knockout happens is because you don’t see it coming

[@takesfromjake3769]

The Gaethje Algorithm strikes early today!

[@MMAFreaks]

What ESPN in your subscriptions 🤣😂 good one

[@Suave121]

Gonna start seeing Justin crying while driving again

[@Traypeats]

Shut up with that already

[@almightyfonics]

@@Traypeats sHuT uP WiTh tHaT aLrEaDy

[@takesfromjake3769]

@@Traypeats Or: I won’t

[@mrmiyagi7388]

People forget that Gaethje got inside info, Usman been training with Chandler at Sandford Just seen the comments everyone sayin it doesn't matter, that's why Burns and Usman was a big fight cus Burns trained with him

[@utkarsh2746]

I clicked thinking Okamoto would ask him about that. Usman and Chandler trained together a lot, he has to have some inside info.

[@xanjo772]

@@utkarsh2746 lol, so did Burns. At some point it doesn't matter as much.

[@bikerboy72]

I don’t think that really matters lol

[@utkarsh2746]

@@xanjo772 At minimum he has the best sparring partners in Usman and karate-boxer Cejudo. That straight line, leaping in footwork should be easy work for Trevor Whitman too.

[@xanjo772]

@@utkarsh2746 yeah it'll be interesting. Information is key in most situations unless someone is just that much better. Some people are just top notch competitors.

[@ricardobjj24]

I feel like Gaethje really wants to hurt Chandler

[@sb20_9]

Yeah I agree, I think he wants to really redeem himself after losing to Khabib

[@ALLTimeGamerTroll]

Not surprised. Chandler came in to ufc and got a title fight right away.. Undeserved, Dana White privilege

[@craigman7262]

He might have CTE like Strickland

[@Darth_Kenobi]

@@ALLTimeGamerTroll right away? Dude knocked out top 4 ranked Dan hooker in the first round dominantly. I agree Chandler never deserved the shot buy saying it's totally undeserved is false Chandler near beat Olivera himself which says a lot about his skills

[@SpanishBre]

Gaethje wants to hurt everyone he fights lol

[@drbankroll999]

Best part about Justin is his honesty! You can tell he means every word that comes out his mouth. Shout out to my Gaethje Algorithm brethren

[@ayaqvdhjdhdjdsk625]

That's why I love him too

[@meatfractals3380]

Gaethje, Rose, And Usman are my 3 favorite fighters. I've followed each of them for years. This card is insane. I can't believe Trevor has to corner three fights in a row. Crazy.

[@langtryvlogme]

he'll run out of voice by the third

[@mfundimkhize3137]

You're a liar man Marty is no ones favourite fighter. With Rose and The Highlight it's believable but definitely not with Marty.

[@ninjavibez4696]

@@mfundimkhize3137 eh I know a few people… especially Africans of course.

[@allpraisewebb1142]

@@mfundimkhize3137 he clearly said MY..which means HIS opinion do you people read at all?

[@MuzamilFGC]

@@mfundimkhize3137 gotta respect usman tho you can't hate on him all of his opponents trash talk him and i always get surprised by how humble usman always is after he beats them he literally says he respects them for just coming in to the cage and just shows a real good sportsmanship he doesn't trash talk them immediately after he has beaten them and i respect that considering the attitude of his opponents before the fight.

[@langtryvlogme]

I love Chandler but Gaethje is just a beast. I give this one to the highlight 3rd round knockout

[@John-78]

Has Gaethje ever beaten anybody really good, who was still in their prime?

[@KingKirbzzz]

@@John-78 More people than you. Go wipe the Cheeto dust off of your fingers before you try to cry about a fighter or who they’ve beaten.

[@pointnine5030]

@@KingKirbzzz cry harder

[@John-78]

@@KingKirbzzz I am the standard now? Interesting...

[@kiaandavids755]

@@John-78 can’t you argue the same for charlie olives

[@dafcorleone]

Best card of the year! Cant wait!

[@getaforeheadreduction6017]

Justin been doing hella interviews lol fair play trying to promote the fight

[@trey9578]

He hasn’t tho

[@craigman7262]

lmao he wants money

[@dailydoberman5624]

he wants to stop getting snubbed for a title shot. and dana gives them to those that promote quicker than he does others

[@Scorpio_Rising_1]

Probably the most interesting fight of the card.

[@candiharorodriguez3571]

Yeah let him do em I ain't complainin

[@joeybones9025]

I love how honest an humble Justin Gaethje is

[@rjvicedo]

I hope Dustin wins against Charlie Olives, then Justin wins against Chandler. Imagine that rematch. Shelby take my resume now.

[@onkarpatole2281]

not a strong resume bro....

[@chriswrigley7590]

Battle of the ustins

[@rjvicedo]

@@onkarpatole2281 what’s your match up mate?

[@76tattooartist]

Bronx wins and Chandler wins too

[@NicolaMaxwell]

@@76tattooartist That's who I've got.

[@LaptopmenaceMTK]

gaethje is a straight up killer. love watching this guy fight

[@rockfordsolids5353]

This dude's openness is so fantastic. Thank you Justin for being real.

[@b0nDsErv4nt]

Bro, I love this guy! Hands down one of the most entertaining fighters to step inside the octagon.

[@theonetypingthis7186]

Thank god gaethje acknowledged the bjj directly, that was the most alarming thing during his nurmagomedov match; hopefully he's spent all these months working on his bjj, if i were in chandler's team, i'd try to get gaethje into a grappling situation to finish him with as little resistance as possible

[@slasaus1]

He panicked at the end of the first by swinging wildly (and burning lots of energy)... in the second he quit (to live for another day)

[@TheDXJC56]

I'll believe he's no longer a blue belt on the ground when I see it tbh

[@alexrmzz08]

what's the time stamp? somehow I missed this

[@slasaus1]

@@alexrmzz08 sry dont get the question.. so imho he escaped, already burnt lots of energy gettiing out of khabib's hands and then he closed his eyes and gambled on the punchers chance... in the second he thought i will be aqbsolutely knackeerd but i already are nackered (thus scramblked mind) better give khabib the neck and tap to avoid vicious damage

[@m_js5709]

It's amazing how Justin used to be portrayed as a meat head in the media but the detailed way he speaks on fighting shows how much detailed knowledge he undeniably has on the sport.

[@mercor1985]

Lemme see some carnage. Blood, broken bones. Always a great fight when Gaethje is involved

[@NicolaMaxwell]

He is struggling to string sentences together now though 😣

[@dave93x]

Ali needs to make up with Ariel I can't stand how many interviews have been wasted because of Cardboard Okamoto

[@NicolaMaxwell]

Someone said it!🙌🙌🙌

[@purbidmusic]

😂😂😂😂

[@zaadana5947]

What? What does happen to Okamoto? Isnt he good interviewer?

[@gettingoverit3080]

@@zaadana5947 he has no personality

[@dave93x]

@@zaadana5947 him and Adam Caterall... man I think I might like John Morgan more than those two

[@arantxaurrutia0]

Gaethje team all the way- Hope to see a Poirier-Gaethje rematch for the belt next year!

[@jonsgti]

this dude is so fun to watch fight..very entertaining every time he fights ...big fan

[@Rs3mocha]

Pretty cool we get to see the wsof champ vs the bellator champ for a chance at the ufc strap

[@MrRaggamuffinrambo]

Loving the chapters thing 👍

[@Ar1AnX1x]

Dana should have brought Chandler earlier instead of waiting until he's 35 obviously it's better to sign him now instead of never signing him but he could have a better career in the UFC if he came before his prime.

[@Thenotorious998]

Pleasure to hear the highlight so excited for his fight against chandler pretty confident that he will get that win he just look in different place mentally

[@ejoshcoron]

Love the camaraderie of these 3 teammates

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, ESPN MMA

[@marieparker3958]

Looking forward to this one. Backing my Justin.

[@dcee1412]

Justin is gonna take his soul in brutal fashion

[@joshclark2547]

Having a personal chef has got to be such a game changer.

[@richardmorris7063]

Its like using regular fuel in a racing car.

[@mixedmartialanarchist6469]

One of the coolest relatable fighters in the world- big fan.

[@alecj1994]

Proposing to my gf the day before this fight in New York! Then going to weigh ins and VIP tickets to MSG. Idk what I’m more excited for!

[@ZacK-jr4yz]

what a time. hope you enjoy it.

[@ddjgaray]

Make us proud bruh

[@sciencenate]

Good luck! 🍀

[@asdf978k9]

Wish u the Best brother hope she says yes 💯💪💪

[@mylegsaidfred]

Imagine your gf saw this comment

[@Head-Gein]

Great interview.

[@ahsokatanosloveinterest]

"I've had thousands of minutes to be ready for this." - A Dude Who Can't Be Bothered to Watch Film

[@Claude210]

Not that he can’t be bothered. He’s choosing not to

[@ahsokatanosloveinterest]

@@Claude210 actively choosing to be unprepared lol

[@brobeans9]

@@ahsokatanosloveinterest not really, because Trevor will most likely be the one watching and plan accordingly where to train and what strategy. some ppl get too fixated on the person watching film. I really doubt he would pass something simple up like film if it was in any way more beneficial towards the goal.

[@ahsokatanosloveinterest]

@@brobeans9 "some people get too fixated on the person" okay that's their own fault. Watching film is objectively more useful than not watching film.

[@isaiahenchiladas9560]

@@brobeans9 exactly the coach can watch and see everything plus some more then turn the fighters holes into the center of their gameplan

[@RedWhiteBlueYo]

Justin and Chandler are like the two best likable fighters. Sucks that one of them gotta loose.

[@1BlackParade]

Such a nice and honest guy. Great dude! 👊

[@youngTAGZ]

This the wining team all three I really hope they win!!

[@ibnsabeel9466]

Trevor Wittman only works with three fighters: Rose, Usman and Justin. All of them have improved exponentially under his tutelage. I can't wait until November.

[@UndisclosedTalent]

Justin has grown to be easily my favourite fighter in UFC... what an absolute warrior. I'm expecting a round 1-2 stoppage

[@talkingpoints8020]

Trevor Wittman will be losing a lot of sleep over the next few months

[@whysoserious6641]

Not really, he ain’t training bums. They are all studs and 2 of them are champions. About losing sleep you must be a casual.

[@ItalianStallionTV]

@@whysoserious6641 simply tears from you

[@lawrencen4208]

@@codymathes4450 dosnt that make u a casual cause he called him a casual u just said people who call casuals are casuals and so now your a casual

[@nickwaldman3487]

"I don't believe anyone else could do that." Speaking on Khabib taking him down. Kinda what a lot of fans are thinking. Not to mention he counter-punched Tony into a shell of himself for 5 rnds. Good luck Chandler.

[@chadhill5354]

BRETT WHERE IS THE MMA BETS SHOW YOU'VE BEEN DOING EVERY WEEK I MISS IT!

[@LaEscuelaDelEncanto]

Great questions

[@charkyicenhour587]

Few things of fighting. Much art. Congrats his 1 round kick amazement

[@waynzignordics]

Love the grudging respect Gaethje has for "Chaos" lol.

[@GD22xl18]

You can never guarantee how great a fight is suppose to be. But man I hope this fight plays out the way everyone wants it to be 🔥 💥

[@green-ch6qj]

Brett cant be more entertaining on these interviews.😫

[@christiangjerpe2748]

Definitely my favorite fighter to watch..him and ngannou

[@thembandaba9021]

Personally both men have earned my respect and I love them both so very much because of the maturity both men have displayed from the first time I saw both of them till now.. I'll go with the winner 🥇

[@Ar1AnX1x]

I hope Gaethje doesn't take much damage and overall avoids taking damage so he can remain in his prime longer. obviously I understand that he's not a brawler anymore and is a lot sharper specially defensively but he's fighting better competition now

[@jwrailve3615]

Justin versus iron mma mike is gonna be a bangerrrrrf

[@True99Yank]

Even though gaethje may never get the belt and both his teammates have a belt he may seem the "weakest link" type deal but I bet anything Justin is a major part in the changes kamaru and rose have made in the octagon and outside in life he's just a great dude and knows how to push and how to get there💯

[@abhijitbhattacharjee7138]

he have a chance to get the belt!

[@indianajanes9962]

Who else is counting down the days? 🔥💪🏼 It’s like waiting for Christmas!!

[@kmonty6188]

Gaethje is a stud. This dude is real man. How do you not like this dude. Always class and straight talk.

[@laughitoff3099]

You got this brother get that W!!!

[@jackmorgan8914]

I love Gaethje interviews. Him and Colby have the best interviews imo

[@markfoster_mkfbass]

Love this dude. So real and down-to-earth. And Brett is an excellent interviewer. Props to both.

[@scary_scat3924]

I can’t wait and I’ve got tickets yayyyyy

[@chrisb2409]

Love you, Brett 💙💪

[@aurelijus1]

I expect geathje and chandler fight to be similar to costa vs yoel

[@donny5429]

Yo, can we take another moment to realize the blessing that this card is?

[@michaelmahy5810]

Justin sounds great. Cool, focused relaxed. Love it . 👍🏾

[@anasshahid224]

Let’s go Justin 👏🙌

[@yusri021]

I like Gaethje. When he talks, he talks like everyday people u and me..

[@luigichicolino6212]

Very interesting fireworks. In the the past gaetje fought frickin monsters and he would not go down.

[@lin_6x579]

Lol Bret “mhm” then on to the next question 😂 this is why they hate interviews 😂

[@cole4249]

Facts

[@jhonreckner9155]

Brett is just an idiot. He has no idea what he’s doing. There is such a difference between him and any other interviewer.

[@madusimo1]

UFC website has Justins record incorrect at 23-2, Justin said he was 22-3

[@StoneGregory7]

9:55 brett started listening to something groovy

[@IanVan222]

Justin seems like he’s not very used to talking on camera man…just a down to earth dude … I hope he wins 💯

[@SuveerMalhotra]

Brett is just there to make us realize how good Ariel is. 🔥

[@amberleaf42069]

Ariel is trash he was good in like 2015 but I guess you prob weren’t t around then

[@SuveerMalhotra]

I was around and actually liked the weekly "DC & Helwani" show

[@somdutroy]

@@amberleaf42069 Even if you think Ariel is not good anymore (which is BS because he has been the same), you have to admit he will always be better than Brett just because of the fact that Brett is objectively the worst around.

[@charliec2966]

@@amberleaf42069 HEELWANI MMA HOUR GETS MORE VIEWS THAN THIS WILL, AND RC& DC COMBINED

[@charkyicenhour587]

Remember vs the champion. U tried circle out. Lil bit diff style than saw idealize. When dustin throws his hooks. Circle out pass tthe shoulders or elbows. and strike straight hits.

[@WaKeUpTIs]

Shouts to the king of AZ

[@charkyicenhour587]

Some goood combos

[@ME-th9yo]

I always think its interesting when fighters say they are preparing for perfection but then say they didnt watch any film on their opponent. Iam not knocking them because iam not perfect so i dont know what it takes to be perfect but just very interesting

[@robert_5974]

I think Justin doesn't bother because Trevor does. Trevor finds the things to focus on and puts that gameplan into effect without telling Justin that it's the plan. He said he never knows the game plan, that he is a canvas and Trevor is painting the masterpiece or however he said it. He figures it out in the fight why he learned and/or drilled specific things.

[@AAhihi]

@@robert_5974 he got to make the reads inside of there though you feel me. He’s the one in front of the guy at the end of the day

[@SupremeSuperiorStick]

He's probably watching tapes lowkey and just doesn't want Chandler to think he's taking him seriously lol

[@executivelifehacks6747]

@@SupremeSuperiorStick thinking the same thing, lol

[@NikiDrifts]

The press conference is going to be awesome. The whole team on one side

[@alexmulugeta9582]

Brett: my first question are you letting one go during this interview? Justin: hmmmm if you want me to 😂🤣

[@gregorysamaniego36]

Smell them cauliflower and egg farts

[@johnseeker9520]

Gaethje is my favorite fighter

[@charkyicenhour587]

His Champ Camp. Oooo winnings over boredom waiting for the belt

[@droneggiando7764]

If Charles could rock Chandler with a left hook, you can imagine what will Justin do with those dynamite hands! Also, Justin got a chin, Chandler’s chin isn’t truly solid against top 3. Just by TKO round 2/3

[@vbulldog27]

Gathje has to win

[@yazziekocon1228]

Poland respect ya

[@leathersandals]

Justin's face makes it look like it's filmed on a Go-Pro

[@charkyicenhour587]

Gaeth je. Gaethje. If CeJudo Takes on 145 champ. Wtestling stance helps alot vs a kickboxer or standing tall.

[@marconopolo5723]

Hope Justin takes the W!

[@brucemartineau3223]

I can't wait to see what he looks an fights like after he hired a cook.

[@cdr408]

I hope all three don’t lose. I actually want all of them to win.

[@gondolin999]

Usman by (masvidal like) KO in the first 2-3 rounds.. Colby has been inactive and fought gun shy Woodley last. Kamaru has fought 3 times since and has gotten scary with those hands. 💯💯

[@Theodore_ML]

The fight against Masvidal was one of his worse fight to date. He did however get a ko because Masvidal was very silly & playful

[@derrickm4799]

@@Theodore_ML agreed Kamaru didn't look great in the first round of that fight. Masvidal saw that and that's why he was clowning around, and demonstrates low fight IQ (which is unusual for him). But I expect Usman will be back on the epo for this fight.

[@luigichicolino6212]

Chandler is a specimen. Very anxious for these fights. I think weilly will last and could potentially win. Gaetje has always been my favorite fighter. Cause he doesint quit even if he's losing.

[@charliec2966]

Brett " I woke up like this" Okamoto

[@dickvinager7881]

This is a great b day presant.

[@Mantasl]

Good luck Justin!

[@bishalsiwakoti1152]

same questions man

[@jaydens2756]

Whoever tf wins in the lightweight division we will get an amazing champion regardless so you gotta be excited for this

[@aidanurdrian4591]

Brett “I know I was gonna say” Okamoto

[@unknowndestiny9501]

It's gonna be a wrestling fight mark my word!!!!

[@onkarpatole2281]

I had a feeling Justin likes Valentina But now i think he likes his chef lol

[@mightynathaniel5355]

startard ⭐

[@despizedicon]

Brett remember asking Chael if his father that had passed would be disappointed that Chael never won the belt? What is the point to a question like that?

[@EvilRidingHood]

Trevor Whitman is the Freddie Roach of MMA.

[@elijahcantu811]

Gaethje might get destroyed, but I love that he gives Dustin his respects

[@Jon_Zeku]

This man will come back with all the hype and train till he becomes a champion. And much after.