Justin Gaethje has always been “The Highlight.”
Long before Gaethje was lighting up Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) screens with his all-action fighting style — one that has earned him nine Fight of the Night bonuses (third all time), five Performance of the Night bonuses (third all time), and multiple Fight of the Year contenders — he was carving out a violently unforgettable run in World Series of Fighting (WSOF).
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Between 2013 and 2016, Gaethje competed 10 times in WSOF, and nearly every appearance was must-see chaos.
So before the 37-year-old collides with Paddy Pimblett for his second interim Lightweight title at UFC 324 this weekend (Sat., Jan. 24, 2026) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, let’s rewind and rewatch all of Gaethje’s legendary pre-Octagon wars.
WSOF Debut
Most of the MMA world was introduced to Gaethje on March 23, 2013, when he made his WSOF debut against veteran Gesias Cavalcante. As expected, it was violent. Gaethje battered Cavalcante until a massive gash on the Brazilian’s forehead forced a doctor stoppage.
Brian Cobb (2nd WSOF fight)
In his sophomore outing, Gaethje showcased what would become one of his most feared weapons: relentless leg kicks. Brian Cobb absorbed a brutal beating before the fight was waved off.
Dan Lauzon (3rd WSOF fight)
Gaethje has handed out plenty of beatdowns in his career, but Dan Lauzon arguably received one of the worst. Gaethje stopped Lauzon in the second round, extending his knockout streak and solidifying his reputation as a problem.
Richard Patishnock (4th WSOF fight)
Gaethje captured the inaugural WSOF Lightweight Championship by stopping Richard Patishnock in a chaotic firefight that lasted just one minute and 10 seconds.
Nick Newell (5th WSOF)
Gaethje’s first title defense came against fan favorite Nick Newell — a one-handed fighter with an inspiring story. In hindsight, the matchup was brutal. Gaethje knocked Newell out in the second round with a crushing right hand.
Melvin Guillard (6th WSOF)
Gaethje was scheduled to defend his belt against UFC veteran Melvin Guillard, but Guillard missed weight, turning the bout into a non-title fight. Despite the stakes being removed, it was competitive — and remains the only fight in Gaethje’s WSOF run to reach the judges’ scorecards.
Luis Palomino (7th & 8th fights)
Ah yes — Gaethje vs. Luis Palomino. These two fights are required viewing for any fight fan. Their first meeting in March 2015 was a savage back-and-forth war, and the rematch delivered again, though nothing quite topped the original.
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Enjoy the violence.
Brian Foster (9th WSOF Fight)
Gaethje leaned back on his devastating leg kicks to stop Brian Foster in the first round, securing his fourth successful title defense.
Luiz Firmino (Final WSOF fight)
Gaethje’s final WSOF appearance came against Luiz Firmino inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The three-round battle ended when severe swelling shut Firmino’s eye, forcing a stoppage.
Six months later, Gaethje vacated his title and signed with the UFC.
Gaethje’s undefeated WSOF run cemented him as one of the most exciting Lightweight prospects in MMA history — a reputation he has more than lived up to ever since.
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