WSOF 8 Update: Gaethje-Patishnock Named New Headliner, Palomino-‘Macaco’ Added

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Justin Gaethje has a new opponent for his lightweight title bout at WSOF 8, as World Series of Fighting officials Friday announced that Richard Patishnock will replace an injured Lewis Gonzalez.

WSOF officials additionally revealed that former Legacy Fighting Championship lightweight champ Jorge Patino will make his promotional debut opposite Luis Palomino at the Jan. 18 event, which takes place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and airs live on NBC Sports Network.

Gaethje, 25, was initially booked to face Gesias Cavalcante for the inaugural WSOF lightweight belt, but “JZ” was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury. Unbeaten in 10 pro outings, Gaethje last competed on Oct. 26, when he knocked out Dan Lauzon at WSOF 6.

Patishnock was supposed to face Palomino at WSOF 8 but will now accept a short-notice shot at the lightweight strap. The 26-year-old has been beaten just once in seven pro outings, finishing Igor Gracie in his March promotional debut and then outpointed Gregor Gracie this past September at WSOF 5.

Patino, 40, suffered his first defeat since 2010 this past November, when he relinquished the Legacy lightweight title to Carlos Diego Ferreira at LFC 25. “Macaco” rebounded from that setback in his last outing, however, when he stopped Wagner Campos on Dec. 7 in Brazil.

Seven years the junior of his new opponent, Palomino makes his WSOF debut having lost two of his last three fights. The Bellator veteran last competed on Oct. 12, when he dropped a unanimous decision to ex-UFC talent Efrain Escudero under Florida’s Championship Fighting Alliance banner.