Justin Gaethje may be one of MMA‘s most under-recognized champions.
Even so, the man who holds the lightweight belt for the World Series of Fighting promotion is 15-0 and has yet to meet a credible threat. The 27-year-old will take his next test March 12 at WSOF 29 when he faces Brian Foster, who emerged from a one-night tournament for the opportunity to face him.
MMA Junkie reported the news Monday.
Gaethje is ranked as the No. 9 lightweight in Bleacher Report MMA’s monthly overall fighter rankings.
The WSOF champion wrestled in college but is mainly known in pro MMA for an extremely effective slugging style. The efficacy of said style is demonstrated by the fact he has 12 knockout wins on his record, including nine of his last 10. Sherdog.com announced the upcoming bout between Gaethje and Foster:
Despite the warning signs those numbers present, Foster (25-8) may still be a willing dance partner. The 31-year-old Oklahoman is primarily known for toughness and power and has only gone the distance once in the 25 times he has won a pro bout.
As part of the eight-man lightweight tournament that took place in one night during WSOF 25, Foster overcame the odds by losing an early bout but returning to the mix after another fighter suffered an injury. After knocking out veteran Luis Palomino, Foster avenged his earlier loss from the evening when he knocked out Joao Zeferino in the second round of the tournament final.
That was November 20. Now, in March, he’ll have to face one of the sport’s hardest pound-for-pound hitters in Gaethje.
For his part, the champion has been staying relatively quiet lately. After taking a split decision from UFC veteran Melvin Guillard in late 2014, Gaethje fought twice in 2015. Both bouts came against Palomino, and viewers considered both bouts classic slugfests.
Gaethje has previously knocked out higher-regarded fighters including Dan Lauzon, Gesias Cavalcante and Nick Newell. He has gone the distance twice.
Foster is a far more experienced fighter, but at the same time he has only gone to decision once. Foster has 12 knockout wins and 12 wins by submission on his record.
Though it is impossible to predict a winner, Gaethje should be the early favorite in the title contest. Still, Foster will prove a willing dance partner and, as a competitor who has only lost once by knockout, he will be anything but an easy out.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com