When the UFC signed Justin Gaethje back in May, the level of his previous competition raised questions as to how well he might perform in the Octagon.
Well, the former World Series of Fighting champion silenced any doubters and improved to 18-0 as a pro with an awe-inspiring TKO victory over No. 5-ranked lightweight contender Michael Johnson in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale Friday in Las Vegas.
The bout instantly became a candidate for 2017 Fight of the Year as the work rate of both men was off the charts. In less than 10 minutes, Gaethje landed 104 significant strikes and absorbed 91 courtesy of Johnson, while being rocked severely more than once.
Gaethje is known for his high-tempo and fan-friendly style, plus his incredible durability, which is exactly what we saw in his donnybrook with Johnson until he was able to turn the tide late in the second round.
Gaethje’s ridiculous UFC debut even caught the eye of 155-pound kingpin Conor McGregor.
Here is some more reaction to the fight:
Great fight
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 8, 2017
Love it. That's how tired you should be after a badass performance. pic.twitter.com/1FjWeR2jR7
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) July 8, 2017
For the people who don't know @Justin_Gaethje he is like this in every fight and he is still unbeaten so fun to watch unless your his mum
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) July 8, 2017
Daaaaaannnnmm #TUF25Finale
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 8, 2017
That was a hell of a fight!!! Hats off to both warriors! #TUFFinale
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 8, 2017
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