Nick Newell praises Justin Gaethje as unique competitor in MMA
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 6:20 PM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
Nick Newell, who fought Justin Gaethje 12 years ago with one hand, commented on Gaethje’s exceptional skill set after he won the UFC lightweight title last Sunday. In their previous encounter for the WSOF lightweight title, Newell was known for his toughness despite his congenital amputation. Gaethje's recent victory against Ilia Topuria demonstrated his relentless approach, breaking Topuria's orbital bones and leading to the fight's stoppage after the fourth round. Newell emphasized that Gaethje's fighting style is technical and consistent, making him one of the toughest opponents in the sport.
- •Nick Newell fought Justin Gaethje for the WSOF lightweight title in 2014.
- •Gaethje recently unified the UFC lightweight title against Ilia Topuria.
- •Newell praised Gaethje as a 'one-of-one human being' in combat sports.
- •Gaethje has garnered a reputation for inflicting significant damage on opponents.
- 6:20 PMYahoo Sports — Nick Newell, who fought Justin Gaethje with one hand 12 years ago, calls the new UFC champ 'a one-of-one human being'
"More than a decade after challenging Gaethje for a world title, one-handed MMA pioneer Nick Newell explains why the newly crowned UFC champion remains unlike anyone else in combat sports.
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