‘Still got the scar’ – Justin Gaethje trains hard and tried to hurt sparring partner who gave him six stitches
Justin Gaethje has recalled his frightening sparring sessions with former UFC champion Kamaru Usman.
Gaethje is known for his ferocious and all-action style, which has seen him embroiled in some epic cage battles against a who's who of fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Max Holloway.
The American trains under the guidance of renowned MMA coach Trevor Wittman under the ONX Sports banner in Colorado.
He has worked alongside former welterweight king Usman for several years, with the pair forming a competitive and strong friendship during their time competing on the roster.
And the pair have sparred on multiple occasions during their time at the pinnacle of the sport.
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Usman confronted his friend, joking: "You [Justin Gaethje] have hit me. You have tried to hurt me a few times."
Gaethje replied: "[Usman gave me] six stitches in my chin, I still got a scar."
Usman then suggested that he simply tried to defend himself given Gaethje had 'tried to knock him out'.
The laughs continued between the pair as they discussed the goings on of their competitive battles.
Before Gaethje concluded: "Some guys can perform in practice. And some guys, they don't perform under the lights.
"That is not me. I am constantly trying to take care of my partners, except unless it's this guy [Usman]."
A competitive edge between the pair in training is what has helped them reach an elite level.
Gaethje is well ranked at No.3 in the UFC lightweight rankings and wants to keep his place at the top table.
He was recently involved in a five-round thrilling clash with Holloway, which saw him marginally miss out on the 'BMF' belt.
The 36-year-old was set to fight Dan Hooker this weekend, but he was forced to withdraw.
Luckily for 'The Highlight', he will still feature on the UFC 313 bill with Rafael Fiziev stepping in to take his place for a rematch of their 2023 fight.
Gaethje is one of many hoping to wait patiently in the queue for a shot at Islam Makhachev.