Justin Gaethje Says He Will Headline WSOF New Year’s Eve Show

In an interview with MMA Junkie, WSOF lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (16-0) said that he will headline the promotion’s upcoming New Year’s Eve show in New York City. Before that, he will fight Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) this Friday at WSOF 33 from the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium. It airs on NBCSN after preliminary fights on MMA Junkie. Here are highlights:

On knowing his next fight: “They got this big show at the end of the year on Dec. 31. I will be headlining that card no matter what.”

On if his WSOF 33 opponent is worthy of a title shot: “Him or Luiz Firmino were the two guys that deserved it. Ozzy has a couple knockouts. Firmino, every single one of his wins has been just awfully boring. I figured it was a good decision on the company’s part. I think they want to make the most exciting fights, and out of those two opponents, this is the most exciting fight.”

On how the fight will go down: “I think Ozzy is a tough opponent. He has some power. He throws a hell of a spinning back kick, and he throws some mean hooks. But my style of fighting is pressure. I pressure people, and to throw wide hooks and throw spinning back kicks, you need space. That’s one thing I will not give him. Ozzy is tough, so I don’t see him necessarily quitting, but he doesn’t like to get hit. I have seen that in some video I’ve seen of him. If I hit him, he’s going to start diving for legs. He likes to lay on top, and when he does get on top, he is one boring sucker, so I’m not going to let that happen.”