Popular one-armed mixed martial artist Nick Newell suffered the first loss of his pro career, losing to lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in the main event of World Series of Fighting 11 Saturday in Daytona, Fla.
The two exchanged hard strikes in the first round with Gaethje eventually landing the harder blows and cutting Newell open. In the second round, Gaethje hurt Newell to the body before landing a straight right that ended the fight.
Newell fell to 11-1 in his pro career in just his second bout that got out of the first round. The 28-year-old, born with a congenital amputation of his left arm, has become one of the more inspirational athletes in MMA and has a strong fan following.
“I’ve been asking for one thing and that’s a war and that’s what Nick gave me,” Gaethje said after his win. “He’s got heart and more confidence than anyone I’ve ever fought.”
Gaethje (12-0) is considered one of the best lightweights outside of the UFC. The win was his 10th by knockout or TKO in his career.
Also on the main card, longtime UFC veterans Jon Fitch and Melvin Guillard were victorious.
Guillard (32–13–2, 2 NC) defeated former Stirkeforce standout Gesias Cavalcante by second-round TKO, while Fitch (26-6-1, 1 NC) dominated Dennis Hallman by unanimous decision.
Here are the complete results from WSOF 11:
MAIN CARD
— Justin Gaethje def. Nick Newell by TKO
— Jon Fitch def. Dennis Hallman by decision
— Cody Bollinger def. Pablo Alfonso by submission
— Melvin Guillard def. Gesias Cavalcante by TKO
PRELIMINARY CARD
— Jake Heun def. Kendrick Miree by decision
— Neiman Gracie def. Dustin Holyko by submission
— Jose Caceres def. Walber Brito de Barros by decision
— Muhammed De’Reese def. Rashaun Spencer by decision
