Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje on Main Card at UFC Fight Night 135

Safford native Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje hopes to have a victory flip in Nebraska against James Vick.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Safford’s own Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (1-2 UFC, 18-2 MMA) will next battle against James “The Texecutioner” Vick (9-1 UFC, 13-1 MMA) at UFC Fight Night 135 in Lincoln, Nebraska on Aug. 25. Vick won his last bout in February against Francisco Trinaldo, while Gaethje came up short against Dustin Poirier in April.

No. 7-ranked Gaethje was initially scheduled to fight No. 10-ranked Al Iaquinta, but that fighter withdrew for undisclosed reasons.

Hold on to your seats.

One of this year’s craziest bouts prepares to touchdown in Nebraska.#UFCLincoln: @Justin_Gaethje 🆚 @AlIaquinta | Tickets on-sale THIS Friday. pic.twitter.com/Y4Zqh1bBfk

— UFC (@ufc) June 26, 2018

Gaethje lost his last two matches in the UFC to Dustin Poirier and Eddie Alvarez after being victorious in his debut against Michael Johnson. Even though he lost two of three, each fight has been the fight to watch at the event, earning Gaethje another trip to the Main Card.

Standing at 6’3, No. 11-ranked Vick, 31, has the height advantage against the 29-year-old, 5’11 Gaethje, but Gaethje’s style will likely see him up close and personal with Vick.

Gaethje acknowledged the fight change and welcomed the challenge on Twitter on Thursday.