Cashing Checks

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Some people are never satisfied, forever seeking those seemingly greener pastures and chasing hard-to-find happiness. Justin Gaethje has no such troubles.

Gaethe will defend his World Series of Fighting lightweight championship against Luis Palomino in the WSOF 19 main event on Saturday at the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix. The undefeated 26-year-old seems content to stay put in the organization where he has built his star, at least for the time being.

“So far, I’ve had some good fights,” Gaethje told Sherdog.com. “As I keep beating people, there’s going to be less competition. Obviously, the UFC is the place to be, especially at 155 pounds, and I’m going to be there one day, but for now, I’m making good money and doing well. I’m going to keep collecting paychecks for WSOF and keep knocking people out.”

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The showdown with Palomino represents the second defense of the title Gaethje won with a first-round technical knockout against Richard Patishnock at WSOF 8 in January 2014; he retained the 155-pound crown with a second-round TKO on Nick Newell six months later; and in his most recent outing, Gaethje earned a split decision over Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Melvin Guillard in November. Guillard failed to make weight for the match, resulting in it being switched to a non-title affair. Gaethje, who was awarded a portion of “The Young Assassin’s” purse, used a steady diet of leg kicks and landed enough punches to earn the nod on two of the three judges’ scorecards.

“As far as the stats go, as far as everyone’s word I’ve heard, it wasn’t a split decision,” said Gaethje, who had gone the distance just once previously. “I just wish I’d get the credit I was due. That was a unanimous decision, and I won it.”

In his mind, however, the performance left a lot to be desired, as it stopped a run of eight consecutive finishes that included wins over Dan Lauzon, Brian Cobb, two-division Legacy Fighting Championship titleholder Jorge Patino and two-time K-1 Hero’s grand prix winner Gesias Cavalcante.

“[The change to a non-title fight] did suck a little bit,” Gaethje said. “I knew I’d be getting paid more money, win or lose, [because Guillard missed weight]. I guess I needed five rounds to finish him. I didn’t get the job done in the allotted time, so I wasn’t satisfied.”

Gaethje -- who hails from Safford, Ariz., and trains out of the Grudge Training Center in Colorado -- believes his preparation for the upcoming clash with Palomino has gone according to plan.

“Camp has been going great,” said Gaethje, who owns a perfect 13-0 record, with 11 finishes. “I’m feeling fantastic, and I’ve been working hard. I want to be consistent, and that’s all in the preparation and confidence. During the fight, I can’t really sit there and think about how I’m going to win. I have to be able to turn by brain off and go with my reactions. I have to be on my toes, waiting to react. I’m not sure if [Palomino] is going to lead or try to counterstrike. I’m going to kick him in the leg a couple of times and go from there.”

Palomino is a true veteran of the fight game. The Lima, Peru, native turned pro in June 2006 with a first-round knockout of Louis Pilato and has fought in 17 different organizations since, including Bellator MMA. He owns victories over a number of notable names, including “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 15 graduate Daron Cruickshank, American Top Team’s Jorge Masvidal and Pride Fighting Championships alum Charles Bennett. He has also fought the likes of Yves Edwards, “The Ultimate Fighter 12” winner Jonathan Brookins, former Bellator champion Pat Curran and MMA Lab representative Efrain Escudero.

A former Championship Fighting Alliance titleholder, the 34-year-old Palomino sports 15 finishes among his 23 professional victories and owns an unblemished 2-0 mark under the World Series of Fighting banner. In his most recent outing, Palomino knocked out the previously undefeated Lewis Gonzalez in the first round of their WSOF 12 headliner in August. That performance earned the Peruvian a shot at Gaethje, who knows he will have his hands full with “The Baboon.”

“He’s going to be a tough guy,” Gaethje said. “I’ve got to be ready for him. He’s been around for a long time and beat some big-name guys. He’s very technical and aggressive and hits hard. People think I’m going to get hit, but if I do, I’m going to come right back at him.”