World Series of Fighting 8 official for Jan. 18 with pair of title fights
World Series of Fighting will continue to build its roster of champions when it crowns its inaugural lightweight titleholder next month, as well as a women’s strawweight champion.
A 155-pound title fight between Justin Gaethje (10-0) and Lewis Gonzalez (9-0) now is official for WSOF 8. Promotion officials recently announced the fight, saying it will headline the show in Florida atop a five-fight main card following four preliminary-card fights.
In addition, the Las Vegas-based promotion will put a belt around its first women’s strawweight champion as Jessica Aguilar (16-4) meets Alida Gray (4-0) for the 115-pound belt.
WSOF 8 takes place Jan. 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In addition to the championship fights, Anthony Johnson (15-4) faces Mike Kyle (20-10-1) at light heavyweight and Cody Bollinger (14-2) meets Tyson Nam (12-5) in a bantamweight bout. Officials expect to announce another fight for the main card, as well as the prelims, in the coming days.
“This past year has been incredible for World Series of Fighting, and I’m proud to be able to carry that success over in the start of 2014 with this incredible lightweight title fight,†WSOF Ray Sefo stated. “I know that both of these guys have great wrestling backgrounds, but their striking is so impressive. I can’t wait for this one.â€
Gaethje was originally slated to face Gesias Cavalcante at next month’s event. However, “JZ†withdrew from the fight due to an injury and the promotion sought a replacement. Although initially expected to wait until after WSOF 7 to announce Gaethje’s opponent, Sefo instead tapped Gonzalez prior to that card this past month in Vancouver.
Gaethje is an undefeated prospect who fights out of Colorado’s Grudge Training Center. Since making his professional debut in August 2011, Gaethje has rattled off 10 straight wins, including nine by way of stoppage. Gaethje is 3-0 for WSOF, earning wins over Dan Lauzon, Brian Cobb and Cavalcante.
“I think some of my toughest fights have been against wrestlers, and I know that’s where my opponent is strong,†Gaethje stated. “He also has a ton of heart. I see this fight being action-packed from the second the cage door shuts until one of us gets the finish. I don’t think there is any way this one goes five rounds. I see a lot of opportunities for some big kicks and knees, and I give my word to the World Series of Fighting fans that Lewis and I will give them one hell of a show.â€
Gonzalez also is undefeated, having defeated Antonio McKee in his WSOF debut earlier this year. The 26-year-old has won all but two of his fights by stoppage, including four first-round finishes.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to get in there and bang for the lightweight title,†Gonzalez stated. “Justin is a tough competitor and a great wrestler. You can expect both of us to be coming forward the whole time and meet somewhere in the middle.â€
Aguilar, who trains at South Florida’s American Top Team, is riding a seven-fight winning streak, including four wins under the Bellator banner, where she went 5-1. In October, she beat Megumi Fujii in Japan. She’ll be making her WSOF debut.
“My training is going awesome over here with the best team in the world at ATT,†Aguilar stated. “It’s nice to be recognized as the top strawweight in the world, but I’m looking forward to finally receiving a belt and continuing to show the world why I’m the best. I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do.â€
In Gray’s perfect record, she has four stoppage wins in the past six months. An alternate on the 1996 U.S. Olympic judo team, she turned pro in MMA earlier this year.
“This all came very unexpectedly, but I knew it was a great opportunity for me to prove that I belong at the top,†Gray stated. “This is going to be my first time on national television, but I’m no stranger to big fights. I’m not going to put too much thought into it. I’m confident in my skills, and when I get in there I will shut everyone else out and go home with the belt.â€
