By Danny Morales
Courtesy of WSOF
Justin Gaethje (10-0) and Richard Patishnock (6-1) are set to go toe-to-toe for the World Series of Fighting Lightweight title at WSOF 8 “Gaethje vs. Patishnock” on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
Gaethje is currently undefeated and hasn’t let a fight go to the judges since June of 2012. He’s latest victory was a 2nd round knockout of Dan Lauzon at WSOF 6 back in October.
“I want to thank the World Series of Fighting for selecting me to be the face of their lightweight division.” said Gaethje about the title shot. “That’s a big thing that they are entrusting me with and I’m excited about that.”
On the other hand Patishnock will be fighting at 155 for the first time in his pro career, after he replaced Lewis Gonzalez in the main event.
“I don’t have any experience at 155,” said Patishnock during the WSOF 8 conference call. “I think the last time I weighed 155 pounds I was in the fifth grade to be honest.”
The co-main event will be a Light Heavyweight fight between Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (15-4) and Mike “Mak” Kyle (20-10-1). Johnson is riding a 5-fight win streak since being cut from the UFC in early 2012, but despite the winning streak “Rumble” says he isn’t in his prime just yet.
“I haven’t hit my prime yet,” said Johnson. “When I hit my prime, you’ll know.”
This will be Johnson’s final fight under his current contract with WSOF. During the conference call matchmaker Ali Abdel-Aziz said that if “Rumble” defeated Kyle at WSOF 8, he would earn a Light Heavyweight title shot.
Jessica Aguilar (16-4) will also be fighting for a title when she takes on Alida Gray (4-0) for the Women’s Strawweight Championship belt. This will be World Series of Fighting’s first women’s bout, while also awarding the promotion’s first female title.
“I’m very happy with WSOF, and being a part of this organization and being the face of the female’s division.” said Aguilar during Thursday’s conference call.
Also on the main card at WSOF 8 is a fight between Luis Palomino ( 21-9) out of Miami, Fla. and Jorge Patino (35-14-2). Palomino is one of many former CFA fighters who have since signed with WSOF.
“CFA was a great production,” said Palomino about his former employer. “I think definitely the move from CFA to WSOF is a big step up, WSOF is coming out hard right now just signing fighters left and right, and they’re known fighters who are throwing really good shows.
“So I think it’s a great move for me.” added Palomino.
WSOF 8 will also feature a couple of Miami fighters during the undercard, including Valdir Araujo (14-4), Alexis Villa (13-4) and Jose “The Fresh Prince of Kendall” Caceres (5-4).
World Series of Fighting will hold an open workout on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 12-2 p.m. at the Jaco Hybrid Training Center in Boca Raton, Fla. The event will be open to the public.
The first fight of the undercard begins at 6 p.m. and will be streamed at WSOF.com, with the main card going live on NBC Sports Network at 9 p.m.
Tickets for WSOF 8 can be purchased via ticketmaster starting at $40.85.
Main Card on NBS Sports Network:
Lightweight Title: Justin Gaethje vs. Richard Patishock
Anthony Johnson vs. Mike Kyle
Women’s Strawweight Title: Jessica Aguilar vs. Alida Gray
Cody Bollinger vs. Tyson Nam
Luis Palomino vs. Jorge Patino
Undercard streamed on WSOF.com
Valdir Araujo vs. Tyler Stinson
Derrick Mehmen vs. Scott Barrett
Alexis Vila vs. Sidemar Honorio
Brenson Hansen vs. Freddy Assuncao
Jose Caceres vs. Anderson Melo
