What Happened When Justin Gaethje Fought One-Armed Fighter Nick Newell For A World Title

Justin Gaethje fought congenital amputee fighter Nick Newell for the World Series of Fighting lightweight title in a high-profile bout outside of the UFC back in 2014.

The eagerly-awaited championship contest, which at the time pitted two undefeated fighters, served as the main-event of WSOF 11 in Florida back in July 2014.

And the title fight lived up to its billing as both men proceeded to throw down much to the delight of the fans in attendance.

The fight started off very competitive with Newell landing combinations and even threatening with a submission.

But Gaethje began to find his rhythm with significant power shots that slowed Newell done.

By the end of the first round, Newell was clearly fatigued, and the next round consisted of Gaethje walking down Newell before producing the knockout three minutes and nine seconds into the second round to earn an impressive victory.

Gaethje went onto record five more WSOF victories before being called up by the UFC.

And, over the weekend, 'The Highlight' bagged UFC gold as he stopped Tony Ferguson to claim the interim-UFC lightweight title at UFC 249.

The 31-year-old is now in line to meet UFC lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov in an undisputed clash.

And the newly minted interim-UFC champion is ready to fight the unbeaten Russian phenom.

"I've been fighting the best in the world, Khabib is the best in the world," he said after snapping Ferguson's 12-fight winning streak.

"I've been working since I was four years old for challenges like this and I am happy to represent the United States of America against Dagestan or Russia's best.

"He is 28-0 and there is no other challenge I want right now, I want to fight him."

Gaethje has worked extremely hard to get to where he is in the sport, and the American striker is now just one fight away from being recognised as the best lightweight fighter in MMA.