Report: Lewis Gonzalez in for ‘JZ,’ meets Justin Gaethje for lightweight title at WSOF 8

VANCOUVER – World Series of Fighting will crown its inaugural lightweight champion at WSOF 8 on Jan. 18, and after a brief switch of opponents, Justin Gaethje (10-0) will take on Lewis Gonzalez (9-0) for the belt.

Gaethje was originally slated to face Gesias Cavalcante at next month’s event. However, “JZ” recently withdrew from the fight due to an injury and the promotion would seek a replacement.

Hours after telling MMAjunkie the organization would wait until after Saturday’s WSOF 7 fight card to announce Gaethje’s opponent, he told MMAFighting Gonzalez would get the shot.

Repeated calls to Sefo for confirmation, as well as clarification on his previous comments, went unanswered Thursday night..

WSOF 8 is scheduled for Jan. 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In addition to the championship fight, Anthony Johnson faces Mike Kyle and Cody Bollinger meets Tyson Nam.

Gaethje is an undefeated prospect who fights out of Colorado’s Grudge Training Center. Since making his professional debut in August 2011, Gaethje has rattled off 10 straight wins, including nine by way of stoppage. Gaethje has already competed three times for WSOF, earning wins over Dan Lauzon, Brian Cobb and Cavalcante.

Gonzalez is also undefeated in his young MMA career, having defeated longtime veteran Antonio McKee in his WSOF debut earlier this year. The 26-year-old has won all but two of his fights by stoppage, including four first-round finishes.

For more on WSOF 8, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Lewis Gonzalez)