Highlights! Gaethje Puts On A Highlight, Ends Ferguson At UFC 249

Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

Fight fans saw the best version of Justin Gaethje last night (Sat., May 9, 2020) at UFC 249 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., as “Highlight” put a beating on veteran Tony Ferguson en route to claiming a fifth-round TKO stoppage and the interim UFC lightweight title.

Gaethje landed the more powerful shots in the early going, but Ferguson kept coming like it was nothing. “El Cucuy” landed his own meaningful shot towards the end of the second as he crushed Gaethje with a vicious uppercut inside.

Gaethje scored more left hooks in the third as Ferugson’s right eye started to shut. Ferguson kept busy with more uppercuts and body shots before Gaethje stunned “El Cucuy” with a big punch. Ferguson absorbed more power shots as Gaethje started to turn up the heat.

The fourth round saw Gaethje land even more hooks and leg kicks, but Ferguson channeled his inner zombie and kept pushing forward. Gaethje continued to hit Ferguson at will and eventually caught the veteran with a sharp right hand that wobbled “El Cucuy.” Gaethje found a home for more leg kicks as the fight hit the 20-minute mark.

In the final round, Gaethje remained focused and slammed another right hand into Ferguson’s chin. Gaethje didn’t stop there as more power punches over the top snapped Ferguson’s head back. One final jab from Gaethje left Ferguson shaking his head in pain and confusion as referee Herb Dean stepped in for the stoppage.

Check out the full fight video highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:

For complete UFC 249 results and coverage click here.