Gaethje to UFC: Sign Nick Newell
Justin Gaethje: “I believe Nick Newell deserves a shot. This sport hurts and it is unforgiving, much like some MMA fans and critics.”
Lightweight Nick Newell is 14-1. The sole loss on his record is to Justin Gaethje, who would go on to win Fight of the Nights back to back in the UFC, making clear to the world what his fans long knew – Justin Gaethje is one of the most exciting fighters in the world. Nick Newell’s fans have known something for a while – he should be in the UFC.
I know this sport very well. I know Nick Newell very well. Nick Newell should be in the UFC.
Now Gaethje has added his voice to the choir.
I believe Nick Newell deserves a shot,” he tweeted. “This sport hurts and it is unforgiving, much like some MMA fans and critics. He will get hurt and lose like the rest of us. It will not be because he is lacking in skill or suffering from a disability but because we are gladiators.”
https://twitter.com/Justin_Gaethje/status/974027691971166208
UFC president Dana White is on record as saying Newell shouldn’t be in the UFC, because he was born with a congenital amputation of his left arm, which ends just below his elbow. Promoter concern over a fighter getting hurt is admirable, and an honorable change from prizefighting, but White’s care is misplaced.
I know Nick Newell. Nick Newell is not handicapped. Some fighters are tall and some are short. Those aren’t handicaps, that’s just how that fighter is. Nick Newell isn’t handicapped, that’s just how he is. It’s just a little different.