WSOF Lightweight Champion Signs With UFC

Undefeated Justin Gaethje joins UFC's lightweight division; wants scariest lightweight possible.

Gaethje was an All-American collegiate wrestler, spent four years fighting in World Series of Fighting (now known as Professional Fighter's League) where he won ten fights, and currently holds a 17-0 mixed-martial-arts record  During that time he defeated UFC veterans Dan Lauzon and Melvin Guillard.   When he announced he signed the contract with UFC, he did so via twitter and had a message for his new employer. 

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@ufc Lets C one of the "big league boys" put me to sleep. I want the scariest lightweight possible first. This 0 has to go! Contract signed

— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) May 4, 2017

Gaethje also took to Instagram to make a statement on his signing. He cites his parents as the fundamental part of his career so far. 

 

Thank you for all the support to this point, I signed my contract with the UFC yesterday. It feels good to know the sacrifices my family and I have made since starting wrestling at 4 yrs old, have led us to these great endeavors. My parents spent their hard earned money, love, and energy to ensure I got the chance to put this hard work to fruition and I'll be damned if I don't give it 100%. Now I get a chance to fight and be the best in the world at something. It won't last long and I may or may not be successful, but I do know I would not be here without having parents which showed me through their actions that hard work is not easy, who loved and believed in me everyday. #ufc #mma #hardwork #fight

A post shared by Justin Gaethje (@justin_gaethje) on May 4, 2017 at 9:09am PDT

The signing of Gaethje comes after his contract with WSOF expired. The fighter has fourteen knockouts on his record and is entering a division without a true number one contender. On Sunday before the signing, Gaethje tweeted Al Iaquinta he would fight "anybody anywhere." No news has been announced about Gaethje's first fight in UFC. 

Fightful MMA will provide any updates on Gaethje's UFC debut.