Justin Gaethje reminisces about his MMA career alongside Kamaru Usman as they close in on retirement
Both Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman made an appearance in Anatomy of UFC 286 - Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3, a docuseries that follows the fighters as they head into UFC 286 in London.
In the first episode, Justin Gaethje took a moment to reflect on his MMA career, the early days, how he got into the sport and of course, being on the team with Kamaru Usman.
He said:
"I knew that I wasn't going to be able to live what they call a normal life, and I wasn't sure where the f*** we were going, but it all makes sense now. It's been a hell of a ride. Me and Kamaru - we got three, four fights left, and it's not been that long since we started...but man, it's been a great ride." (0:05 - 0:38)
Later in the video, Kamaru Usman also adds:
"The camaraderie, the fellowship...that's what it's all about."
Watch the rest of the episode here:
Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman train under head coach Trevor Whittman out of Colorado, U.S.A, alongside Rose Namajunas, a former UFC champion.
Justin Gaethje prepares to take on Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 in London
A lot of the camarederie on display in the video can be palpable, particularly as both Justin Gaethe and Kamaru Usman prepare to take on Rafael Fiziev and Leon Edwards respectively at UFC 286.
On the back of a barnburner with Michael Chandler, which Gaetje won via unanimous decision, he carries a lot of momentum heading into his bout against Fiziev. Fiziev, however, is a dynamic striker who is riding a six-fight win streak, most recently finishing Rafael dos Anjos late into their fight.
Watch as Gaethje went head to head with Chandler in an all-time classic:
This may be the bout where we finally see Justin Gaethje utilize his wrestling credentials, given Fiziev's reputation on the feet. Gaethje, however, may come out looking to stand and bang with Fiziev, given that's how the majority of his fights have gone. Only one thing's for sure - this is a potential fight of the year candidate, and fans should be sure to tune in.