WSOF champ Justin Gaethje won't take pay cut to go to the UFC

[Wild]

Ahead of his WSOF lightweight title defense Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje opens up about his entry into MMA, thoughts on his opponent, and whether or not to remain with the WSOF promotion.

At 15-0, World Series of Fighting lightweight champion Justin Gaethje opens up about his serendipitous entry into MMA and about his upcoming title fight against tournament winner Brian Foster.

EM: What are your long-term MMA goals?

JG: I want to fight the best fighters in the world but I don't lose sight of the fact that six years ago I had no dream and no clue that I would be here. I'm just grateful for where I'm at and can't deny that it's a little bit of luck that got me here. One punch here one punch there; when you're successful you got to contribute it to a bit of luck.

EM: You're already the WSOF lightweight champion. What else is there to accomplish inside of that promotion?

JG: I don't think I'll jump around weight classes or anything. I have a job to do and that is to prove I'm the best 155er on the planet. I love the WSOF and have three fights left on my contract. After those fights, I want to go out there and see what I'm worth. Miesha Tate just got 46k to show and 46k to win; I'm getting paid 60k to show and 60k to win in my next fight and will be at 80/80 by then end of my contract. I owe it to myself to not sell myself short by taking a pay cut just to go to another organization.

EM: If you do go to the UFC or Bellator where do you see yourself as far as the top 10?

JG: With the amount of money I want to get paid, they will have no choice but to throw me to the wolves and I'm definitely ok with that.

LINK: WSOF champ Justin Gaethje: I won't take a pay cut to go to the UFC

 

[holly9000]

 

[delightone]

good for him, go get some

 

[Wild]

Nah, he's too exciting a fighter (top 3 most exciting fighters in the world IMO). He'll be fine

 

[Wild]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnO_L244pP0

 

[TheEmperorRises]

I'd punch my mom in the stomach to see Bellator sign him and set up a fight with Will Brooks. Hard.

 

[Wild]

I'm going to have him on for a Q&A soon. Bank on it.

 

[PrideRules]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnO_L244pP0

great highlight. I love watching this guy fight.

 

[dacofty]

I dont see the UFC paying him that. I think he will end up in Bellator.

 

[Ted Williams' head]

There's no fucking way he should have to take a pay cut. UFC should bring him in and pay him what he wants because he's one of the most exciting fighters in MMA today. He's one of the very few guys you can 100% guarantee will NEVER stink out the building if you put him on the card. He's going to be a POTN candidate every time out.

 

[ECC170]

Gaethje not only is one of the most exciting he's also Top 10 imho...if you don't KO him you're in for a LONG night...its almost impossible for guys to keep,his furious pace..Especially when he's throwing nothing but bombs trying to kill you..I hope he starts mixing in his wrestling more to avoid damage but hey WIN,LOSE, or Draw I won't EVER miss him fight..Ive been a fan from the Get so I vote he gets paid and another belt..Him vs Bendo,Brooks,Chandler or Thomson move my needle..Gaethje vs Ferguson or Raging Al would be UNREAL..Hes my favorite fighter probably

 

[SickEye]

I'm going to have him on for a Q&A soon. Bank on it.

Is your constant harassment finally breaking down his defenses?

 

[member 3289]

I dont see the UFC paying him that. I think he will end up in Bellator.

The UFC will be at a disadvantage because they won't have a matching clause with him like they do with their own fighters, which means they won't know how much Bellator is offering him.

 

[ECC170]

The UFC will be at a disadvantage because they won't have a matching clause with him like they do with their own fighters, which means they won't know how much Bellator is offering him.

if he wins his next fight ge set to make 160k...if he keeps winning it could be up. to 200k..I don't see them tight wads paying that much..Bellator might

 

[GSPTrainingInAPool]

The only thing keeping him from resigning with WSOF is the lack of competition, right? Other than he won't take a pay cut. If WSOF signs a few new 55'ers do you think he'd stay?

 

[Priziesthorse]

Raging Al would be UNREAL..

Al would suplex Gaethje and take a dump on his chest.


Also, start putting together a list of who you think is gonna win ncaa's. We can make a thread next week and compare. Rutgers is sending 10 guys. No big deal. Look for our coming out party, especially at 141 pounds.

 

[ECC170]

Al would suplex Gaethje and take a dump on his chest.


Also, start putting together a list of who you think is gonna win ncaa's. We can make a thread next week and compare. Rutgers is sending 10 guys. No big deal. Look for our coming out party, especially at 141 pounds.

lol at Al doing that

Ill make us a thread next week...Nolf vs IMar 3 guna be SICK...watch out for Petrov from Bucknell

 

[HEATH VON DOOM]

Al would suplex Gaethje and take a dump on his chest.


Also, start putting together a list of who you think is gonna win ncaa's. We can make a thread next week and compare. Rutgers is sending 10 guys. No big deal. Look for our coming out party, especially at 141 pounds.

Matt Manley is winning 141 and Hyrmack at 197 will be done in first round against J'den Cox. Sorry to bring you the bad news.

 

[Wild]

Is your constant harassment finally breaking down his defenses?

Yes

 

[Silverball]

Bellator should commit to building the 155-170 pound divisions.

 

[Priziesthorse]

Matt Manley is winning 141 and Hyrmack at 197 will be done in first round against J'den Cox. Sorry to bring you the bad news.

Gulibon sticks Manley in the first round.

 

[HEATH VON DOOM]

Gulibon sticks Manley in the first round.

#tigerstyle not a chance

 

[Hong Kong Phooey]

beast

 

[Wild]

Everyone make sure they watch his fight this weekend. I guarantee it will be fireworks.