Adam Catterall discusses Justin Gaethje's UFC title shortcomings ahead of Ilia Topuria bout

Adam Catterall believes Justin Gaethje was never 'conservative' enough to win a UFC title as he takes a third run at the strap at UFC White House.

The UFC heads to the White House lawn on Sunday night with Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight to take on Ciryl Gane in an interim heavyweight title bout before Ilia Topuria defends his UFC lightweight title against interim champ Gaethje.

Speaking exclusively to bet365 at the talkSPORT Padel World Cup, Catterall said: “Location-wise it’s absolutely crackers. I think it’s going to be incredible to look at and experience and as for the fights themselves, I’m really looking forward to seeing what Alex Pereira looks like against Ciryl Gane.

“I don’t think that’s a straightforward fight; everyone thinks he’s just going to turn up and become interim champion but Gane is no joke as a kickboxer. I can’t see Pereira aiming to take him down so I think it’ll be a very tight fight.

“And then you’ve got, for me, the best fighter on the planet in Ilia Topuria taking on a fans’ favourite in Justin Gaethje which is guaranteed to end in someone getting knocked out. “

Interim champ Gaethje bids to finally capture the undisputed title having lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in his two previous efforts.

“I think he’s been unfortunate because of the level of talent that’s in the 155lb division,” said Catterall. “When he came in as the human highlight, he was undefeated and he fought in a certain way that was entertainment first which was great from a fans’ point of view but if you’re going to win championships, you have to be more conservative.

“If you look at his first few fights in the UFC, he’s all guns blazing. Then he changes his style a bit, goes on that amazing run, picks up the interim championship when he beat Tony Ferguson in emphatic style, but I just think he’s run into elite-level opponents.

“Look at the guys that have beaten him in championship fights: Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the best of all time, Charles Oliveira. I don’t think it’s a reflection of his level.

Coming from a wrestling background where he was an All-American in college, Gaethje abandoned his grappling base throughout his career, but Catterall doesn’t think The Highlight will have any regrets when he hangs up his gloves.

Asked if Gaethje could have won a title had he spent more time on the mat, Catterall said: “Maybe. But knowing Justin Gaethje as I do, I think he’s proud of the fact that he holds the record in this division for the amount of bonuses received. He’s going to go into the Hall of Fame regardless of what happens at the White House.

“Should he have wrestled more? I suppose the obvious answer is yes, but again, look at the level of competition he’s fought for belts – is that going to work against Khabib or Oliveira?”