The MMA world has unanimously praised UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje, who emphatically ended a 2-fight losing streak at UFC Lincoln on Saturday, by scoring a stunning one-punch knockout of rival James Vick in the main event.
Gaethje needed just under 90 seconds to dispatch Vick, a fighter who came into the bout on a 9-1 UFC record. Known as one of the division’s hardest hitters, Gaethje connected with a left hook just before a vicious right hand evaded Vick’s defenses and sent him sprawling face first to the canvas.
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Vick was in visible discomfort after the bout as he came to following the knockout. At one point it appeared that he attempted to perform a takedown on Gaethje after the fight as the victor approached Vick to offer commiserations.
Gaethje’s win moves his career record to 19-2 and resurrects his status as a top contender in the UFC’s lightweight division. Vick, meanwhile, falls to 13-2.
Elsewhere on the card, Michael Johnson won a close split decision against Andre Fili and Mickey Gall got back to winning ways, scoring a rear naked choke win against George Sullivan.