Justin Gaethje vs. Melvin Guillard Slated For WSOF Lightweight Title Tilt

World Series of Fighting lightweight champion recently made swift work of highly touted Nick Newel at WSOF 11, earning the TKO win with his harsh striking, and further cementing his position at the top of the divisional ladder. The second round knockout puts his pro record to 12-0, including stoppages over Dan Lauzon, Gesias Cavalcante and Drew Fickett.

Controversial ex-UFC lightweight Melvin Guillard also featured at WSOF 11, making his promotional debut against common opponent ‘JZ’ Cavalcante and earning a TKO win after an exciting two rounds. With ‘The Young Assassin’ successful in his entry to WSOF, it looks like the promotion is keen to push one of their bigger stars.

As you saw in the video above, Gaethje will defend his title against Guillard next time out. This is what Gaethje had to say of his next defense:

‘You know, I’ve trained with Melvin Guillard before, and you guys are in for a show, he is the most explosive 155er in the world. I’m not going to submit Melvin, I’m going to knock him out.”

If there is one area that Guillard has trouble in, beside making weight, it is the ground game. With 13 losses as a pro, ‘The Young Assassin’ has been submitted in nine of his defeats. It looks like Gaethje is keen to put on a show though, unless he is just keeping his hand close to his body. With his first win in nearly a year under his belt, could Guillard start living up to his potential, or will Gaethje continue his streak?

Aside from Guillard, the only other real contender at lightweight for WSOF is Luis Palomino, and what’s to say that a win over Guillard wouldn’t score Gaethje a call to the big show?

Video courtesy of AXS TV Fights