Justin Gaethje Says UFC Contract Signed, Wants ‘Scariest Lightweight Possible’

Justin Gaethje is looking for the biggest challenge possible in his Octagon debut.

Last week, reports surfaced that the former World Series of Fighting lightweight champion was on the verge of signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but the contract had not yet been finalized. On Thursday, Gaethje took to Twitter to announce that his deal was official.

“UFC, let’s [see] one of the ‘big league boys’ put me to sleep,” Gaethje wrote. “I want the scariest lightweight possible first. This 0 has to go! Contract signed.”

@ufc Lets C one of the "big league boys" put me to sleep. I want the scariest lightweight possible first. This 0 has to go! Contract signed

— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) May 4, 2017

Anchored at Grudge Training Center in Colorado, Gaethje has established himself as one of the top lightweights outside the UFC in recent years. He captured the inaugural WSOF lightweight strap with a first-round stoppage of Richard Patishnock in January 2014 and remained unbeaten throughout the rest of his tenure with the promotion. Overall, the 28-year-old Gaethje owns a 17-0 professional mark that includes triumphs over the likes of Luis Palomino (twice