Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Justin Gaethje will look to unify the Lightweight titles when he faces off against current division champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in the main event of UFC 254 this Saturday (Oct. 24, 2020) on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Before then, let’s take a short trip down Memory Lane to the night “Highlight” first tasted UFC gold by wining the interim title. At UFC 249, Gaethje faced off against Tony Ferguson in what was the first event for the promotion following its extended hiatus to to COVID-19. Known for being two of the most entertaining fighters in the sport, Gaethje and Ferguson didn’t disappoint, as the two stood toe-to-toe for nearly five rounds.
It turned out to be a bad strategy from Ferguson, as he took on a pile of punishment from “Highlight,” who is known for being one of the fiercest strikers in the game. In the end, the referee on duty had no choice but to put an end to the violence in the fifth and final round, giving Gaethje a technical knockout (TKO) win.
As an added bonus, in the video player embedded below, you can get a better listen as just what it sounds like when Gaethje’s bombs landed on Ferguson’s flesh thanks to great mics and an empty arena.
I create damage!! This is music to my ears https://t.co/3XXj5tleLK
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) October 19, 2020
While Gaethje’s win did ruin the latest chance for fight fans to see Khabib vs Ferguson, he now the one who sits at the front of the table. If he can ground “The Eagle,” not only will he ruins the sports longest undefeated run, but it will be the spark to his own path to all-time greatness.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 254 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN 2/ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 254: “Khabib vs. Gaethje” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.