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Interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje has never missed weight in his legendary career, but his upcoming title unification bout against undisputed champion Ilia Topuria at the White House on Sunday is pushing his body to the absolute limit. In a recent fight-week interview with Main Event, Gaethje gave an open look at the grueling reality of his current camp. He revealed that his body usually walks around 35 pounds over the lightweight division limit just weeks before stepping onto the scale.
To safely crash down to the required 155-pound mark, Gaethje’s team enforces a strict, step-by-step dietary lock. His nutrition completely eliminates sodium to prevent the body from holding onto unnecessary fluids. His meals are limited strictly to high-protein, low-carbohydrate sources—primarily egg whites, lean chicken breast, and green vegetables. This aggressive calorie deficit forces his metabolism to burn through remaining fat reserves during his final, exhausting daily training sessions.
The most dangerous phase happens during fight week, where Gaethje shreds off the final 7 to 8 pounds of pure water weight through intense, dehydration-induced sweating cycles. Planners schedule late-night sauna sessions and wrapped workouts to force out every excess drop of moisture. [1]
According to Gaethje, the real battle begins after he steps off the scale. Making weight is only half the job; his team immediately starts a rapid rehydration protocol. Gaethje expects to put on a staggering 30 pounds (14 kg) between the official weigh-ins and the moment the cage door shuts on Sunday night. This massive fluid replenishment ensures he walks out onto the South Lawn at a powerful 185 pounds, fully fueled for a five-round war.
