It would appear that the World Series Of Fighting has lost another champion as WSOF President Rey Sefo tweeted today that lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has signed with the UFC.
Here is the tweet by Sefo:
Wishing @Justin_Gaethje all the best fighting for @UFC & excited to crown a new $1 million Lightweight champion
— Ray Sefo (@SugarRaySefo) April 27, 2017
A short time later, the former WSOF employee thanked his boss via Twitter:
@SugarRaySefo @ufc Thank you boss. Will always be grateful for the opportunities I was presented with.
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) April 27, 2017
Gaethje captured the WSOF Lightweight Title at the WSOF 8 in January 2014, defeating Richard Patishnock by first round knockout. During his four-plus years in the WSOF, the newest UFC signee earned key wins over Gesias Cavalcante, Dan Lauzon, Nick Newell, Melvin Guillard, Luis Palomino, Brian Foster and Luiz Firmino.
There is no debut date or opponent yet set for Gaethje and the UFC, but that announcement could come at anytime now. Fightful has learned that the deal isn't complete as of yet.
In the last several months, the WSOF has lost several champions to free agency. Such champions as Magomed Bibulatov (Flyweight), Marlon Moraes (Bantamweight), David Branch (Middleweight & Light Heavyweight) and now Gaethje (Lightweight) have all left the promotion to sign with the UFC.
