WSOF champ Justin Gaethje says he's headlining New Year's Eve show in New York

WSOF lightweight champ Justin Gaethje puts his title on the line at Friday’s WSOF 33 event, and while “The Highlight” insists he’s not looking past his opponent, he already knows what’s coming next.

“They got this big show at the end of the year on Dec. 31,” Gaethje told MMAjunkie. “I will be headlining that card no matter what.”

Gaethje (16-0) takes on Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) at Friday’s event, which takes place at Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The evening’s main card airs on NBCSN following prelims on MMAjunkie.

Dugulubgov carries a three-fight winning streak into the contest, and while he might not be the most high-profile athlete on the WSOF roster, Gaethje believes he was the right choice for this title shot.

“Him or Luiz Firmino were the two guys that deserved it,” Gaethje explained. “Ozzy has a couple knockouts. Firmino, every single one of his wins has been just awfully boring. I figured it was a good decision on the company’s part. I think they want to make the most exciting fights, and out of those two opponents, this is the most exciting fight.”

Gaethje seems to be in exciting fights regardless of who is on the other side of the cage. With a 9-0 mark for the promotion, including eight knockouts, the 27-year-old Arizonan has become must-watch TV.

Most recently, he dispatched of Brian Foster in under two minutes at March’s WSOF 29.

“I loved it, especially for my family who are always so nervous and stuff,” Gaethje said. “The quicker I can get it over with, the better. I get paid the same, so I’ll take it.

“I do love those (back-and-forth) fights, and I think those are the fights that gain me the most fans. But every single one can’t be like that, or else I ain’t going to be doing this very long.”

Known for his aggressive approach, Gaethje said he’s constantly improving his precision, as well, under the guidance of Trevor Wittman. And while he spends more time honing his own technique than worrying about his opponent’s arsenal, Gaethje said he’s confident his game matches up well with Dugulubgov.

“I think Ozzy is a tough opponent,” Gaethje said. “He has some power. He throws a hell of a spinning back kick, and he throws some mean hooks. But my style of fighting is pressure. I pressure people, and to throw wide hooks and throw spinning back kicks, you need space. That’s one thing I will not give him.

“Ozzy is tough, so I don’t see him necessarily quitting, but he doesn’t like to get hit. I have seen that in some video I’ve seen of him. If I hit him, he’s going to start diving for legs. He likes to lay on top, and when he does get on top, he is one boring sucker, so I’m not going to let that happen.”

Once this fight is complete, Gaethje said he will turn his attention to WSOF36, which takes place Dec. 31 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

And while he has no intention of losing for the first time in his career, he also sees absolutely no reason he shouldn’t be headlining that card.

“If I lose this fight, I’ll be in a rematch with Ozzy,” Gaethje said. “If I win this fight and Jason High wins, I’ll be fighting him because that’s who I’ll be calling out. And if Jason loses, I’ll fight Luiz Firmino.

“I’m the best in the world right now in my weight class. I’m headlining that card either way.”

For more on WSOF 33 and WSOF 36, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.