Justin Gaethje names shock fighter he KO’d behind the hardest shots he’s ever taken

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Justin Gaethje has faced some of the toughest names in UFC’s lightweight division, but there was one fighter who surprised him more than most.

Gaethje is currently on the sidelines but still hoping to get a title shot when he returns, even though the path back to a title fight is not straightforward.

Paddy Pimblett’s rapid rise through the division means ‘The Highlight’ could be passed over for a title shot if he takes on Topuria next.

The Arizona native has stacked up notable wins in recent years, yet admitted surprise at one particular victory, citing the “weirdest” strike he had ever experienced.

Justin Gaethje credits James Vick for quirky strike

James Vick’s downward spiral began when he came up against Gaethje in 2018, a matchup that ended quickly and decisively.

In less than a minute and a half, ‘The Highlight’ knocked out Vick, setting off a string of three more knockout losses that eventually led to the end of his time in the UFC.

Still, Gaethje recently listed the hardest shots he had ever taken, mentioning his defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 300 and his wild debut against Michael Johnson. Surprisingly, he also included one from Vick.

“Max Holloway is definitely number one. First time and only time I’ve ever been put to sleep,” he said in a video shared on his X profile.

“I remember Michael Johnson hit me with two very good shots that – I do not know how I didn’t go to sleep.

“…Before I knocked out James Vick, he kicked me in the liver really good. It’s the weirdest shots that hurt in there [the Octagon]. Yeah, that one checked my liver. I was like, ‘Uh oh.’”

Justin Gaethje names the hardest hitter he’s faced in the UFC

Even though he has stepped into the cage with heavy hitters like Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, Gaethje says there is another name that stands out above them.

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The Arizona native managed to stop both fighters, knocking down each of them and finishing Poirier with a head kick. But it was a different former champion who left an even stronger impression on him: Charles Oliveira.