title: World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II
text: # World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II
  
  World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II was a mixed martial arts event to be held September 18, 2015 (2015-09-18) in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. This event aired on NBCSN in the U.S and on Fight Network in Canada.
  
  ## Background
  
  The main event was a rematch for the WSOF Lightweight Championship between champion and Arizona native Justin Gaethje making his third defense of his title against challenger Luis Palomino. Their first fight at WSOF 19 ended in a TKO victory for Gaethje.
  
  The co-main event featured the tournament final fight for the inaugural WSOF Light Heavyweight Championship between middleweight champion David Branch and Teddy Holder.
  
  This event also was the debut of Chael Sonnen on commentary.
  
  The fight between Estevan Payan and Isaac Vallie-Flagg was canceled after Vallie-Flagg sustained an elbow injury.
  
  ## Results
  
  * ↑ For the WSOF Lightweight Championship.
  * ↑ For the inaugural WSOF Light Heavyweight Championship.
  
  ### Tournament bracket
  
  | Semifinals | Semifinals | Semifinals | Finals | Finals | Finals |
  | - | - | - | - | - | - |
  | David Branch | David Branch | SUB | | | |
  | Jesse McElligott | Jesse McElligott | 2 | | | |
  | Jesse McElligott | Jesse McElligott | 2 | David Branch | David Branch | SUB |
  | | | | Teddy Holder | Teddy Holder | 1 |
  | Thiago Silva | Thiago Silva | TKO | Teddy Holder | Teddy Holder | 1 |
  | Teddy Holder | Teddy Holder | 1 | | | |
  