Justin Gaethje wanted to make an immediate splash in his Octagon debut. He did precisely that by returning from the brink of defeat to take out Michael Johnson at The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale on Friday in Las Vegas.
Gaethje entered the Octagon wanting to prove his worth as the undefeated former World Series of Fighting lightweight champion, while Johnson wanted to spoil his welcoming party and get back on track after losing three of his four most recent bouts.
While both men gave it everything they had and then some, it was Gaethje that achieved his goal and showed that he deserves to be an immediate contender for the lightweight title currently wrapped around Conor McGregor’s waist.
Gaethje and Johnson went at it from the opening bell, meeting in the center of the Octagon and unloading on each other.