Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje is an American professional mixed martial artist known for his high-octane fighting style and relentless determination inside the octagon. Gaethje was born and raised in Safford, Arizona, and started his athletic career as a wrestler in high school. He went on to wrestle at the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gaethje transitioned to mixed martial arts and quickly made a name for himself as a standout in the sport.
Gaethje’s breakout role came in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), where he became the promotion’s lightweight champion. He defended his title multiple times and gained a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. In 2017, Gaethje made his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he continued to impress with his aggressive fighting style and knockout power. He quickly became a fan favorite and earned multiple Fight of the Night bonuses for his thrilling performances inside the octagon.
One of the milestones in Gaethje’s career came in 2020, when he faced off against Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC lightweight championship. Despite being the underdog, Gaethje dominated the fight and earned a fifth-round TKO victory, solidifying his place as one of the top fighters in the division. He went on to face Khabib Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated matchup for the undisputed lightweight championship but was defeated by submission in the second round.
In addition to his fighting career, Gaethje has collaborated with several celebrities and athletes. He has trained with NFL stars Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, and has been spotted at events with UFC commentator Joe Rogan and comedian Kevin Hart. Gaethje has also been featured on the TV show “The Apprentice” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, where he competed alongside other athletes and celebrities in business challenges.