UFC 268: Justin Gaethje outlasts Michael Chandler in lightweight war, demands title shot
- ‘The Highlight’ defeats former Bellator champ by unanimous decision in a fight that somehow exceeds sky-high expectations
- ‘I’m ranked No 2 and I just got an impressive win – who else?’ Gaethje says, calling for winner of Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier
Justin Gaethje kicked off the UFC 268 main card with a bang, defeating Michael Chandler by unanimous decision in an instant classic on Saturday night in New York.
They call Gaethje “The Highlight” for a reason.
The 32-year-old (23-3) is the UFC‘s No 2-ranked lightweight, and Chandler the division’s No 4 contender, with the pair considered two of the most exciting fighters in MMA. Their UFC 268 showdown rightly stood out as one of the most anticipated fights on the MMA calendar from the moment it was announced.
It somehow managed to exceed all expectations, as the two Americans began trading heavy seconds into the first round and didn’t stop until the third and final frame concluded.
“He’s a warrior,” Gaethje told commentator Joe Rogan after the judges’ decision was announced at Madison Square Garden. “We’re living in the wrong times. Me and him should have been fighting to the death in the f****** Colosseum.”
Gaethje, the former World Series of Fighting lightweight champion, began attacking Chandler‘s leg’s early, and the strategy paid dividends. By the time the second round began, Chandler’s mobility was visibly compromised, which left him open to Gaethje’s patented power punches.
