One-handed MMA standout Nick Newell today received his biggest endorsement for a long-awaited shot at the UFC, and it comes from a former foe.

UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje tweeted his support for Newell, who is hoping for a call from the UFC following an impressive first-round submission win in his return at LFA 35 (via Twitter).

I believe @NotoriousNewell deserves a shot. This sport hurts and it is unforgiving, much like some mma fans and critics. He will get hurt and lose like the the rest of us, it will not be because he is lacking in skill or suffering from a disability but because we are #Gladiators

Back in July 2014, Gaethje (18-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) handed Newell (14-1) his only loss with a second-round TKO finish to claim the WSOF 155-pound title. Since then, Gaethje defended that promotion’s belt five times before getting the call from the UFC last year. He suffered the first loss of his career in a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Eddie Alvarez last December and next headlines April 14’s UFC on FOX 29 against Dustin Poirier.

Newell, 31, rebounded from the loss to Gaethje with back-to-back WSOF wins in 2015. He then walked away from competing in MMA for nearly three years for personal reasons, but he never stopped training and had a triumphant return against Sonny Luque last week in Houston.

Newell was stiff-armed by the UFC once before. After making it to the interview portion of “The Ultimate Fighter 14” in 2011, he essentially was barred by UFC President Dana White, who argued it was too dangerous for Newell to compete because he’s a congenital amputee without a left hand.

Following his win at LFA 35, Newell’s call to join the UFC was heard loud and clear.

“I’m one of the best fighters in the world, and I belong in the UFC,” Newell said. “That’s it. That’s final. I gave you 14 reasons why I belong in the UFC. I’m one of the best fighters in the world, and I’ve proved it 14 times.”

He’s made a believer out of Gaethje. It remains to be seen if White and the UFC agree.

For more on LFA 35, check out the MMA Events section of the site.