VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Joe Schilling believes Donald Cerrone will be more than capable of handling Justin Gaethje’s pressure.
One of the main criticisms of Cerrone (36-12 MMA, 23-9 UFC) throughout his career is that he’s struggled to hold up when opponents hold his feet to the flame. Gaethje (20-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) is one of the best at doing that, but Schilling, who works as Cerrone’s striking coach, said they’ve prepared accordingly.
“We’ve just been doing a whole lot of cardio,” Schilling told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “We’ve been doing lots of high-altitude stuff, biking, doing sprints up mountains and (expletive). It’s been good. I feel like cardio is going to be huge factor in this fight.”
Cerrone vs. Gaethje headlines UFC on ESPN+ 16, which takes place Saturday at Rogers Arena and streams on ESPN+.
The anticipated matchup has a laundry list of impressive statistics behind it. However, one that stands out on Gaethje’s behalf is the highest rate of significant strikes landed per minute of any fighter in UFC history at 8.50. Oppositely, though, he absorbs an astounding 10.23 significant strikes per minute.
Cerrone said his plan for fight night is to “fight fire with fire.” Schilling agrees that’s the method to win, and he believes Gaethje’s willingness to take damage in order to give it will be his downfall.
“I think he’s also the most hittable opponent in history and by far the most hittable opponent ‘Cowboy’ has ever fought,” Schilling said. “It’s going to be a good fight, but I think it’s going to be fire with fire for sure.”
