UFC 249 Full Fight Video: Watch Justin Gaethje Knock Out Edson Barboza

Justin Gaethje surrendered his World Series of Fighting title so he could sign with the UFC. By the time he joined the promotion he had defended that belt five times with five knockout victories. Gaethje’s overall record heading into his first UFC fight, which was opposite Michael Johnson and headlined The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale card, was 17-0.

Gaethje knocked out Johnson. He stumbled in his next two outings when former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier knocked him out. Gaethje bounced back in his next scrap when he scored a 97-second knockout win over James Vick.

In March 2019, the UFC matched Gaethje up against Edson Barboza who was coming off a knockout win over Dan Hooker. The Gaethje vs. Barboza bout headlined a UFC on ESPN card in Philadelphia. Barboza was a slight -137 favorite over Gaethje, who came in at -105.

The two fighters, who are known for their nasty leg kicks, opened the fight by exchanging heavy low kicks. When Gaethje opened up with his hands, he hurt Barboza, but he did not rush the finish. Instead, Gaethje calmly continued his striking attack against the cage. When the two separated, Gaethje once again got the better of his opponent in the striking department. Barboza tried to slow Gaethje with leg strikes, but he had no luck. As Barboza retreated, Gaethje landed a big right hook that caught his opponent clean on his jaw. The strike ended the scrap at the 2:30 mark of the first round.

Gaethje followed his win over Barboza with a first-round knockout of Donald Cerrone. 

Tonight, Gaethje faces Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249. The interim title is up for grabs in the matchup.

UFC 249 takes place tonight at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The main card streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

Before that fight takes place, watch Gaethje knockout Barboza.