Before he became the fan-favorite `Highlight` devastating opponents in the UFC, Justin Gaethje learned the meaning of tenacity in an early, high-stakes defense against one of the sport`s most unique and dangerous competitors: the one-handed marvel, Nick Newell.
The Lightweight King of the Minor Leagues
Justin Gaethje`s current position—a perennial contender fighting for interim UFC gold against rising stars like Paddy Pimblett—often overshadows the chaotic brilliance of his initial reign. Prior to his 2017 arrival in the premier promotion, Gaethje was the undisputed lightweight champion of the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), a promotion that eventually evolved into the PFL. His tenure there was less a reign and more a sequence of organized skirmishes, culminating in a violent defense that tested his chin and resolve like few others.
In 2014, after securing the inaugural WSOF lightweight title, Gaethje was immediately booked for a mandatory defense. His opponent was Nick Newell, a fighter whose presence in the cage defied convention and expectation. Newell possessed an extraordinary record, largely due to an unwavering spirit coupled with the seamless adaptation of his fighting style to accommodate a congenital amputation of his left forearm.
Nick Newell: The Technical Anomaly
In a sport governed by the symmetry of limbs—where grips, balance, and reach are technical gospel—Newell was, statistically speaking, operating at a severe disadvantage. Yet, his undefeated professional record proved that statistics rarely account for heart or tactical brilliance. Newell’s success wasn`t merely inspirational; it was a technical nightmare for opponents who trained to deal with two hands, not one explosive right hook complemented by relentless pressure and expert grappling.
For Gaethje, the defense against Newell was more than just retaining a belt; it was navigating a unique, tactical puzzle. How does one gauge distance against a fighter whose lead arm dictates unorthodox angles? The answer, as Gaethje quickly discovered, involved severe discomfort.
The Storm in Round One
The bell rang, and what was expected to be a dominant title defense quickly turned into one of Gaethje’s classic, high-risk brawls. Newell, fully aware that a sustained technical battle would eventually favor the two-handed champion, pressed the action immediately. The intent was simple: shock and awe.
In the first round, the Milford-born fighter connected with some huge shots that landed flush on Gaethje`s chin, seemingly stunning him on multiple occasions. It was the moment the unbeatable champion looked alarmingly human.
The blows that landed were heavy, delivered with the leverage of a man fighting not just for a title, but for the validation of his entire career. Gaethje, known for his willingness to trade blows—a philosophy often interpreted by critics as reckless endangerment—found himself wobbled, absorbing punishment that would have ended most other lightweight contenders.
But the enduring characteristic of Justin Gaethje is not his offense; it is his impenetrable durability. While momentarily rattled, ‘The Highlight’ stayed upright, demonstrating the sort of granite jaw required to navigate the perilous waters of a championship fight. He weathered the initial tempest, surviving the early onslaught that nearly rewrote his career narrative before he even reached the UFC.
The Inevitable Highlight Reel
As the first round concluded, Gaethje, having successfully processed the data of the first five minutes—and perhaps absorbing enough damage to trigger his internal chaos response—began to implement his signature strategy: brutal forward pressure. Gaethje’s style is predicated on attrition; he forces opponents to fight in a phone booth until their gas tank or their spirit breaks.
In the second frame, the pressure became overwhelming. The leg kicks, often overlooked in the flurry of his punches, began to accumulate, slowing Newell`s lateral movement. The margin for error that Newell relied upon narrowed rapidly. Then, Gaethje found the opening, deploying a massive right hand that signaled the end of the bout.
The TKO victory solidified Gaethje`s reign, marking a successful defense against a man who, despite a profound physical challenge, had exposed a fundamental flaw in Gaethje’s defense (if one can call standing and trading a flaw, rather than a preference). It stands as a testament to both fighters: Gaethje`s refusal to concede, and Newell`s refusal to be defined by limits.
The Legacy of the ‘Notorious’ One
Nick Newell`s journey did not end with the Gaethje loss; in many ways, it elevated him. He continued to compete fiercely, racking up subsequent wins that earned him a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) in 2018. While he lost the DWCS bout via decision—missing out on the coveted UFC contract—his performance proved that he was a legitimate top-tier lightweight, not just a feel-good story.
Newell eventually signed with Bellator, fought several more times, and finally retired in 2021, leaving behind a professional record that far surpasses the statistical odds placed against him. The fight against Justin Gaethje remains a powerful footnote in both men`s careers: for Gaethje, it was a necessary crucible; for Newell, it was the ultimate demonstration of skill conquering adversity in the most brutal of sports.
Finlay Hurst