The WSOF will be returning to the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona on September 18 for WSOF 23 and the event will be headlined by a lightweight title rematch as Justin Gaethje defends the title against Luis Palomino.
Along with the lightweight title fight, the event will see the first WSOF light heavyweight champion crowned as David Branch looks to become a two-division champion when he meets Teddy Holder for the inaugural WSOF 205 pound title.
“We are excited to return to Phoenix where we witnessed one of the most incredible fights in WSOF history earlier this year between Justin Gaethje and Luis Palomino, and to see them do it all over again,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo. “Likewise, we look forward to crowning the first WSOF light heavyweight champion in history and, based on their recent performances in our cage, David Branch and Teddy Holder should deliver a thrilling end to our historic tournament.”
Gaethje (14-0) defeated Palomino in the main event of WSOF 19 by TKO in the third round. The first fight also took place at the Comerica Theatre and Gaethje is originally from Safford, Arizona. Palomino (23-10) was 2-0 in the WSOF before losing to Gaethje in March. He is 7-3 in his last ten fights and five of those wins have come by knockout.
Branch (16-3) moved up to the light heavyweight division earlier this year and defeated Jesse McElligott in the semifinals of the tournament. He is currently on a six fight winning streak and is the reigning WSOF middleweight champion. Holder (9-1) was a last minute replacement into the inaugural light heavyweight tournament and defeated Thiago Silva by knockout. It was his first fight in nearly two years and all of his fights have ended in the first round.
Tickets for WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II will go on sale on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. MT will be available for purchase at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at $39.99.