Prior to Justin Gaethje facing Eddie Alvarez at UFC 218 back in 2017, “Underground King” proclaimed the winner would be dubbed “UFC’s Most Violent Man.” After intense back-and-forth action, Alvarez managed to knockout Gaethje to not only win the award, but also hand “The Highlight” his first ever loss.
Fast forward 1.5 years later, and the title to the most violent man in the world has gone to Gaethje. That’s according to UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, who was floored by “The Highlight’s” first round knockout win over Edson Barboza last night (March 30, 2019) at UFC on ESPN 2 (see it again here).
“To be considered the most violent man in the most violent sport in the world is a fucking crazy position, but in my mind @justin_gaethje is that man,” said Rogan via social media. “Congrats on an incredible KO victory last night over one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport!”
Indeed, Gaethje has left behind a path of destruction over the course of his eight-year mixed martial arts (MMA) career to the tune of 17 knockout victories. During his time inside UFC’s Octagon, he’s knocked out James Vick, Michael Johnson and Barboza in rather violent fashion.
Known for pushing the pace and never backing down — even against the most aggressive opponents — Gaethje truly leaves it all in the cage, which is the reason he has become a fan-favorite and one of the most-anticipated fighters to watch compete.
Of course, his aggressiveness has at times cost him, suffering knockout defeats to the aforementioned Alvarez and Dustin Poirier after perhaps going in a bit overzealous. Still, it’s his style that has made him who he is today, which is one of the most exciting and feared fighters regardless of weight class.
Now, the question remains: Is he violent enough to hand Khabib Nurmagomedov his first-ever defeat?
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