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‘NO F***ING IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON’

America’s Justin Gaethje has declared himself ready to become the greatest underdog in UFC history – surpassing even the Australian blockbuster involving Holly Holm’s shock KO against Ronda Rousey before almost 60,000 fans

On the eve of his hyped White House showdown against UFC lightweight champ Ilia Topuria, Gaethje has told Fox Sports Australia how a win will almost certainly ink his name atop a list of the Octagon’s greatest underdogs — which currently includes the likes of Matt Serra, Michael Bisping, Nate Diaz, even Holm.

While other fighters have claimed UFC titles at longer odds, a victory for Gaethje – who remains an almost $6 betting outsider – would become his 10th triumph as the underdog.

Over the years, the American has caused boilovers against the likes of Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Michael Johnson, James Vick, Rafael Fiziev, and even his most recent win against Paddy Pimblett.

Asked if a win over the highly-favoured Topuria would confirm him as the UFC’s greatest ever underdog story, Gaethje said: “Yeah, I think so.

“I mean, it’s weird. The fact that I’ve been the underdog so many times, and then won so many of them, it really is crazy.”

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So as for why it keeps happening?

“The way that I fight is very hard to understand,” Gaethje explained. “So people think I’m stupid.

“They think I just go in there and throw all caution to the wind. Every time.

“And maybe that is what it looks like. But there has always been a method to the madness, ever since day one.

“And over time I’ve proved that.

“I’ve proved I have the ability to fight so many different styles of fights …”

Anything else?

“The fact I’ve won so many times as the underdog proves this sport is insane,” he said, smile widening on his face. “And it also proves that most people have no f***ing idea what’s going on.”

Asked who has made the most money on his run of boilovers, and Gaethje continued: “Probably my business partner.

“[Laughs] And that’s because he also has the ability to bet a lot.

“But most of the people close to me, they don’t talk about it. They know it means nothing to me.

“Obviously I love that people are with me and I want to prove the people backing me correct.

“But for me, most of this is about proving people wrong.

“And I know that might be a little narcissistic. And probably something of a bad trait as a human.

“But being petty is something you have to be to constantly get back on the horse and do what I do.”

Surprised you are continually backed out?

“Yes and no,” Gaethje shrugged. “Obviously this sport is absolutely insane.

“But at the same time, how do you win so many fights as an underdog and still have people counting you out?

“I guess this fight [against Topuria] at least makes some sense. He’s beat Max Holloway who beat me. He’s beat Charles Oliviera, who beat me.

“So this one is more justified than most …

But your most recent win over Pimblett?

“Yeah, the human mind is crazy,” he grinned. “People are remembering my loss against Max Holloway and going off that.

“But you can’t be perfect every night, and I wasn’t that night. I fought a terrible fight.

“I came in with a terrible mindset, and I take full responsibility for that.

“I actually consider [the Holloway loss] a blessing in disguise because it’s going to make this win that much more special.”

While he has previously performed a backflip in the Octagon after winning – and even carries a logo on his cap of exactly that – Gaethhe hasn’t been picturing that scenario during the build.

“No, the way I approach these fights, I think that he’s going to knock me out,” he said of Topuria. “Kill me

“Well, death isn’t an option, I guess. Nobody has ever died.

“But chronic injury is definitely a possibility. And I do convince myself of the worst case scenario.

“That way, I can work to be content with the outcome, no matter what.

“It’s about trusting in the preparation.

“Trust that no matter what happens, I will always have my family who is so special. And they will always love me, always support me no matter what.

“Because at the end of the day, I’m just playing a game.

“It’s a dangerous game. And it’s a fun game.

“But it’s still just a game … and there is so much more to life than this.”

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Lightweight championship: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje