After an enthralling main event at the TUF 25 Finale, we take a look at where victor Justin Gaethje goes from here.
Gaethje came into the UFC in May 2017 and was immediately tasked with one of the most dangerous opponents in the division, in Michael Johnson. Gaethje, known for his time in World Series Of Fighting, was assured that he had never faced competition like the UFC before, according to Johnson.
In the build-up to the fight, “The Highlight” was open and honest and admitted with his defence that he’d likely be knocked out in the UFC eventually. This almost came true when Johnson not only rocked the 28-year-old in the first round, but in the second round also, with Gaethje doing well to recover on both occasions.
Gaethje ended the fight in emphatic fashion although, when he landed two beautiful uppercuts in the space of ten seconds before landing a knee to the face of Johnson, sending him down to the floor and forcing the referee to intervene.
With such an eye-catching striking display executed by Gaethje, and a huge debut performance, the question is; can the American fill the void left by Conor McGregor‘s departure?
With McGregor’s inactivity and sudden departure to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr in a boxing match, the question of whether the European will return to the octagon again is looming larger by the day.
Since his introduction to the UFC, the Irishman has advanced to become the face of the sport, generating fans from across the world as he continues to smash financial records in mixed martial arts, and now beyond.
Should McGregor not return to the promotion, at 28 years of age, Gaethje could well be the man to take his place. He may not have the trash talk or lovable/slightly irritating accent of the Irishman but he is an entertainer, he produces exciting fights and has to be considered one of the best lightweight’s on the planet.
In terms of money, it is unlikely that Gaethje will ever make similar figures to what McGregor has done in the past. But in a division left in relative turmoil by the departure of the champion, a replacement may have been found for the hard-hitting, charismatic champion.
