Those who follow mixed martial arts closely know Justin Gaethje. Perhaps the top lightweight operating outside the auspices of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he has become one of the big fish in the World Series of Fighting pond.
Gaethje will put his perfect 16-0 record on the line when he defends his lightweight championship against the seasoned and well-traveled Luiz Firmino in the WSOF 34 headliner on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. A late change in opponent -- Firmino stepped in for the injured Joao Zeferino on short notice -- has done nothing to curb the champion’s enthusiasm.