Justin Gaethje receives surprise backing from Team USA Hockey Olympics winner ahead of huge Ilia Topuria showdown at UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career when he takes on Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House grounds. Most experts have installed Topuria as the favorite, making Gaethje a significant underdog heading into the historic event. Despite the odds, the American veteran remains confident and has drawn inspiration from one of the greatest upsets in sports history, the famous “Miracle on Ice” victory by Team USA in 1980.

Gaethje recently spoke about bringing that same underdog mentality into his fight against Topuria. His comments caught the attention of Team USA hockey legend Mike Eruzione, who captained the American team that shocked the heavily favored Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics. Eruzione believes Gaethje can use the challenge as motivation and has offered advice on how to approach the fight against the unbeaten former champion.

Mike Eruzione urges Justin Gaethje to embrace the underdog role against Ilia Topuria

Mike Eruzione understands what it feels like to enter a contest with almost no one expecting victory. Speaking about Justin Gaethje’s upcoming fight to TMZ, the hockey icon praised the UFC star’s toughness and fighting spirit. He said Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the sport’s hardest competitors and has the mentality needed to handle a difficult challenge.


The former Olympic captain explained that underdogs should not fear the odds stacked against them. Instead, they should welcome the opportunity and use it as motivation. According to Eruzione, his Team USA squad succeeded because they focused on competing. He believes athletes perform at their best when they believe they have a chance to win, regardless of what others think.

Eruzione also encouraged Gaethje to enjoy the moment. He wants him to channel any doubt into extra motivation. He suggested that being overlooked can become a powerful source of energy. The hockey legend stressed that sporting history has repeatedly shown that unexpected results can happen when competitors fully commit to the challenge in front of them.

The advice carries special significance because Eruzione’s 1980 U.S. hockey team achieved one of the biggest upsets ever seen in sports. Led by coach Herb Brooks, a group of young amateur and college players defeated the dominant Soviet Union team before eventually winning Olympic gold.

Gaethje faces a different challenge against Topuria, but Eruzione believes the same principle applies. When the opportunity arrives, anything can happen. The American veteran will now look to prove that once again when he steps into the Octagon at UFC Freedom 250.



Get the latest Sports news and live updates. Download the TOI App.