Justin Gaethje: Difference between revisions

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje
	Gaethje in May 2022
Born	Justin Ray Gaethje; November 14, 1988 (age 36); Safford, Arizona, U.S.
Nickname	The Highlight
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight	155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division	Lightweight
Reach	70 in (178 cm)
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Team	Grudge Training Center (2011–2016) ; Genesis Training Center; Elevation Fight Team
Trainer	Trevor Wittman (2011–present)
Rank	white belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Wrestling	NCAA Division I Wrestling
Years active	2011–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	30
Wins	25
By knockout	20
By submission	1
By decision	4
Losses	5
By knockout	3
By submission	2
Amateur record
Total	7
Wins	7
By knockout	4
By submission	2
By decision	1
Other information
University	University of Northern Colorado
	Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

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Justin Ray Gaethje^[7] (/ˈɡeɪdʒi/; born November 14, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2011, he is a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion, and former UFC BMF Champion. Gaethje is the second fighter to win the BMF championship after Jorge Masvidal winning the title at UFC 291.^[8]^[9] As of April 16, 2024, he is #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings.^[10]

Early life

Justin Ray Gaethje was born on November 14, 1988, in Tucson, Arizona and was raised in Safford, Arizona. His mother, Carolina (née Espinoza), is of Mexican descent from Sonora, Mexico ^[11] and his father, John Ray Gaethje, is of German descent.^[12]^[13] His mother was a postmaster while his father was a copper miner, as were both of his grandfathers. His paternal grandfather boxed while serving in the United States Army.^[13]^[14] Gaethje's father Ray retired as a copper miner in September 2019, after 36 years working at the Morenci mine.^[15]

Gaethje has two sisters.^[16] He also has a twin brother who worked at the Morenci mine for almost ten years.^[15] When he was 18, Gaethje spent a summer himself at the Morenci mine. He said to Brett Okamoto of ESPN in 2020, "I worked 7 days a week, 12 hours every day. I did it for 3 months straight and took one sick day, because I had to sleep. I did 96 hours one week."^[15] Gaethje recalled that as he was about to leave the mine to go to college, two of his co-workers told him, "You'll be right back, you ain't gonna make it in college. You'll be right back here." This motivated Gaethje to make a success of himself.^[15]

Wrestling career

High-school

Gaethje began wrestling at the age of four.^[17] He attended Safford High School,^[18] where he was a four-time finalist and two-time state champion (AIA).^[19] He still holds the seventh-most near falls (218) and the ninth-most team points scored (1057.5) in the history of the state as a wrestler.^[20]^[21] Gaethje also played football and baseball in high school.^[22]

Collegiate

Gaethje graduated from Safford High School with a 191–9 record.^[23] He initially applied to a small college in Arizona as he wanted to stay close to his family, but instead accepted an offer from the NCAA Division I program at the University of Northern Colorado.^[24] As a freshman, Gaethje had an 18–9 record, including a third-place finish at the Oregon Wrestling Classic. In his sophomore season, he qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship, where he posted a 0–2 record. He finished the season with a 14–4 record and was named to the Western Wrestling All-Conference First Team.^[23]

As a junior, Gaethje went 5–2 at the 2010 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship to earn 7th place and All-American status. This made him the first Northern Colorado wrestler to attain Division I All-American status since Larry Wagner in 1970.^[25]^[26]^[27] Gaethje dropped down to the 149 lb division for his senior year, but had struggles with weight cutting.^[28]^[29] He won true-second at the NCAA Western Regional Championships^[30] and so qualified for the 2011 NCAA Division I 149 lb Championship,^[31] where he posted a 1–2 record to end his senior season with a 17–8 record.^[23]

In June 2020, it was announced that Gaethje would be inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in wrestling.^[32]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Gaethje first came into contact with mixed martial arts (MMA) as a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado, when he wrestled Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters such as Georges St-Pierre, Clay Guida and future opponent Donald Cerrone. Afterward, he talked to his coaches about his intentions on trying out the new sport, to which he was told that he had to get his grades up in order to get an amateur bout.^[33] After improving his grades, Gaethje made his amateur debut during the pre-season of his sophomore year (08'-09') on August 2, 2008, where he scored a slam knockout on his opponent.^[34]

After amassing a 7–0 amateur record, Gaethje made his professional debut on August 20, 2011, against future UFC fighter Kevin Croom. Gaethje won the fight in the first round via KO due to a slam after Croom attempted a submission.^[35] On the regional circuit in Colorado and Arizona, Gaethje compiled an undefeated 7–0 professional record, with 6 stoppage wins.^[36] One of his early victories was over UFC veteran Drew Fickett. Gaethje won by knockout 12 seconds into the first round.^[37]

World Series of Fighting

Gaethje was signed by the World Series of Fighting on December 2, 2012,^[38] and made his debut on March 23, 2013, at WSOF 2 against Gesias Cavalcante, finishing the fight in the first round through TKO (doctor stoppage) after opening a cut above Cavalcante's left eye.^[39]

On June 14, 2013, he fought Brian Cobb at WSOF 3, eventually winning via TKO from leg kicks in the third round.^[40]

Afterward, Gaethje fought Dan Lauzon at WSOF 6 on October 26, 2013, finishing Lauzon by knockout with a right uppercut in the second round.^[41]

The three stoppage victories secured Gaethje a shot at the inaugural WSOF Lightweight Championship, in the headline bout of WSOF 8 against Richard Patishnock on January 18, 2014. Gaethje dispatched Patishnock in the first round via TKO to become the first WSOF Lightweight Champion.^[42]

His first title defense was at WSOF 11 against Nick Newell on July 5, 2014.^[43] Gaethje won the fight with a right hook TKO in the second round.^[44]

On November 15, 2014, Gaethje faced UFC veteran and former training partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15.^[45] The fight was ruled a non-title contest after Guillard missed weight. He scaled at 158.8 lbs, nearly 4 lbs over the 155 lb limit, and 50% of his purse went to Gaethje.^[46] Gaethje won the bout via split decision.^[47]

He then went on to fight Luis Palomino at WSOF 19 on March 28, 2015. Gaethje defended his title by stopping Palomino via TKO in the third round after a combination of leg kicks and punches.^[48] The Los Angeles Times named this fight as the best fight of 2015.^[49]

Gaethje had a rematch against Palomino on September 18, 2015, at WSOF 23 and defended his belt again, finishing Palomino in the second round by TKO.^[50]

At WSOF 29 on March 12, 2016, he defended his belt against Brian Foster via TKO due to leg kicks at 1:43 of the first round.^[51]^[52]^[53] Three days later, Gaethje was suspended indefinitely by the Colorado State Athletic Commission for "unsportsmanlike conduct" after he performed his signature celebration, a backflip off the top of the cage, in the aftermath of his victory at WSOF 29.^[54] The suspension was lifted a day later.^[55]^[56]

Gaethje was expected to defend the WSOF Lightweight Championship against Ozzy Dugulubgov at WSOF 33 on October 7, 2016.^[57] However, the bout was cancelled on the day of the event as Dugulubgov was stricken with illness.^[58]

On October 17, 2016, it was announced that Gaethje would defend the WSOF Lightweight Championship against João Zeferino on December 31, 2016, at WSOF 34 in the main event.^[59] However, an injury forced Zeferino to withdraw from the bout and he was replaced by Luiz Firmino.^[60] Gaethje won the bout by TKO via doctor stoppage due to Firmino's right eye being swollen after round three.^[61]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On May 4, 2017, Gaethje announced he had vacated his WSOF title and signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.^[62] It was announced on May 12 that he would make his debut against the veteran Michael Johnson on July 7, at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale.^[63] Gaethje won the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the second round through a combination of punches and knees.^[64] The win earned Gaethje the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.^[65] Sherdog named this fight as the best fight of 2017,^[66] and round 2 of the fight as the best round of the year.^[67]

On July 13, 2017, the UFC announced that Gaethje would coach The Ultimate Fighter 26 along with Eddie Alvarez, with the duo expected to face each other at the conclusion of the season.^[68] The bout with Alvarez took place on December 2, 2017, at UFC 218.^[69] Gaethje lost the competitive fight by KO in the third round, the first loss of his MMA career.^[70] The fight also earned him his second consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award.^[71] At the World MMA Awards, it was named the fight of the year.^[72] Gaethje said after the loss, "It was the time of my life. Honestly, being in front of that many people, being able to put my skills on the line at the highest level on a pay-per-view, all of those things, it was a dream come true for me. I said it before, I said it many times, that I was going to lose (eventually). If I lost, I hoped that I would get knocked out. All of those things came true."^[16]

Gaethje lost a back-and-forth fight via TKO in the fourth round to Dustin Poirier on April 14, 2018, at UFC on Fox 29.^[73] The fight earned Gaethje his third consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award.^[74] Sherdog named Gaethje vs. Poirier as the best fight of 2018.^[75] It was revealed after the fight that Gaethje's leg kicks had caused a partial tear of Poirier's quadriceps femoris muscle. Poirier said, "I didn't know it in the fight, but I knew it the night of and the next morning. He tore my quad. I'm trying to think of another time I've been seriously damaged with kicks. Jim Miller hurt my calf really good, but nothing like that."^[76]

Gaethje was scheduled to fight Al Iaquinta on August 25, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 135.^[77] However, on June 28, 2018, Iaquinta withdrew from the bout and he was replaced by James Vick.^[78] Gaethje rebounded from his two losses in emphatic fashion, winning the fight by knockout in the first round.^[79] He was also awarded a Performance of Night award, which meant he had earned five bonus awards in his four fights in UFC.^[80]

Gaethje faced Edson Barboza on March 30, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 2.^[81] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.^[82] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.^[83]

Gaethje next faced Donald Cerrone on September 14, 2019, in the main event at UFC on ESPN+ 16.^[84] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.^[85] The win also earned Gaethje his third Performance of the Night bonus award.^[86]

UFC interim Lightweight Champion and further title contention

On April 6, it was announced that Gaethje would step in on short notice to face Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on April 18, at UFC 249.^[87] However, on April 9, UFC president Dana White announced that this event had been postponed,^[88] and the bout instead took place for May 9, 2020.^[89] Gaethje dominated the fight, stopping Ferguson via TKO in the fifth round, and thus ending Ferguson's personal best of 12 consecutive wins.^[90]^[91] He also continued his bonus award streak, earning the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.^[92] This made Gaethje the only fighter in UFC history to win at least one fight night bonus in each of his first seven appearances.^[93]

Gaethje fought in a unification bout for the UFC Lightweight Championship against Khabib Nurmagomedov on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254.^[94]^[95] He lost the fight via technical submission due to triangle choke in the second round, marking the first submission loss in his mixed martial arts career.^[96] Despite tapping, referee Jason Herzog did not stop the bout before Gaethje lost consciousness due to the choke.^[97]

Gaethje faced former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021.^[98] After a back-and-forth fight, Gaethje won the bout via unanimous decision despite knocking Chandler down and nearly finishing him in the second round.^[99] This bout earned the Fight of the Night award.^[100] The bout was named Fight of the Year by various mixed martial arts media outlets and the UFC itself.^[101]^[102]^[103]^[104]^[105]^[106]^[107]^[108]^[109]

Gaethje faced Charles Oliveira on May 7, 2022, at UFC 274 for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship.^[110] Due to Oliveira missing weight and having been stripped of the title, only Gaethje was eligible to win the title.^[111] Despite knocking down Oliveira twice, Gaethje lost the fight via rear–naked choke submission in round one.^[112]

Gaethje faced Rafael Fiziev on March 18, 2023, at UFC 286.^[113] He won the back–and–forth fight via majority decision.^[114] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night bonus award.^[115]

Gaethje took on Dustin Poirier in a rematch of their 2018 bout, for the symbolic "BMF" ("baddest motherfucker") belt on July 29, 2023, at UFC 291.^[116] He won the fight via head kick knockout in round two.^[117] The win earned Gaethje his fifth Performance of the Night bonus award.^[118]

Gaethje faced Max Holloway on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300.^[119] He lost the BMF championship by knockout in the last second of round five.^[120] Due to the UFC increasing the payout of post fight bonuses from $50,000 to $300,000 for the event,^[121] this fight earned him a $300,000 Fight of the Night award.^[122]

Fighting style

As a two-time Arizona State high school champion and an NCAA Division I All-American, Gaethje has some of the best wrestling credentials in the UFC's lightweight division. Despite his elite wrestling pedigree, he rarely looks for takedowns, instead preferring an entertaining stand-up fighting style.^[123] He is well known for the knockout power in his punches, and his debilitating leg kicks.^[124] When asked after his loss to Poirier in 2018 why he did not use his wrestling in the bout, Gaethje said, "I’ve been wrestling my whole life. I should’ve and could’ve took him down a couple of times, especially when I had him rocked just to steal a round or two. For some reason, my mind will not let me do it. I think I sold myself so hard on the fact that this is not wrestling. It gets you tired. If I’m going to get tired, I’d rather it be from fighting and not from wrestling. That’s the reason why I never wanted to wrestle. But I did so much cardio this camp that it would not have been a problem for me to turn it into a wrestling match, but I just can’t do it, it would not be fun for me."^[123]

In a 2020 ESPN interview, Gaethje stated he realized after transitioning from wrestling to mixed martial arts that, while winning was still important, entertaining the fans could earn him more money. He said, "There can be guys out there who are 13–0 with 13 decisions, and they're not [even] getting paid $5,000 to fight because nobody is watching. I've gotten opportunities on the biggest stages because of the way I fight. I've never not wanted to win a belt, but I wanted to make money, and the surest way to make money in this sport was to be exciting." According to Gaethje's coach Trevor Wittman, the back-to-back losses against Alvarez and Poirier caused Gaethje to change his mentality. Although he is still a pressure fighter, Wittman said that Gaethje now takes fewer risks and is more selective about when to trade punches. Wittman stated, "I asked him after those two losses, 'Is your purpose still to be the most exciting fighter in the world?' And he said, 'Not really, Coach. I want to be a UFC champion.'"^[24]

Personal life

Gaethje holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from the University of Northern Colorado. He has stated his intention to do social work with at-risk youth.^[25] Gaethje's surname is of German origin due to his German-American father.^[125]

Gaethje underwent a photorefractive keratectomy in 2016 to correct his eyesight. He said, "I used to be blind. I had horrible vision. I was 20/60 in one eye and 20/200 in another eye. And I was far sighted in one eye and nearsighted in another eye."^[126] Dan Hardy stated on Inside the Octagon that before the surgery Gaethje's "eyesight was so bad that he actually had to physically be in contact with his opponent to know what he was hitting."^[127]

Gaethje—along with UFC President Dana White, fighters Colby Covington and Henry Cejudo, and manager Ali Abdelaziz—attended a rally for President Donald Trump in September 2020, with the fighters being acknowledged by the President.^[128] Gaethje praised Trump for his role in the UFC's early development, saying "He’s a reason that the UFC is here."^[129]

Gaethje has his own YouTube channel.^[130]

Championships and accomplishments

Wrestling

National Collegiate Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I All-American out of the University of Northern Colorado (2010)^[131]
- 2010 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship – 7th Place^[132]
University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Interim UFC Lightweight Championship (One time)^[90]
- UFC 'BMF' Championship
- Fight of the Night (Eight times) vs. Michael Johnson, Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier 1, Edson Barboza, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev and Max Holloway^[65]^[71]^[74]^[83]^[92]^[100]^[115]^[122]
  - Tied (Nate Diaz & Frankie Edgar) for third most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC history (8)
  - UFC Honors 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[101]^[133]
  - UFC.com 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[134]
  - UFC.com 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[135]
- Performance of the Night (Five times) vs. Michael Johnson, James Vick, Donald Cerrone, Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier 2^[65]^[80]^[86]^[92]^[118]
  - Fifth most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC Lightweight division history (13)^[136]
  - Tied (Max Holloway & Edson Barboza) for the eighth most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC history (13)^[137]
  - Most Post-Fight bonuses-per-bout in UFC history (13 bonuses in 13 bouts) (minimum 10 bouts)
  - Only fighter in UFC history to win a Post-Fight bonus in each of his first 7 UFC bouts^[138]
- Second highest significant strike accuracy percentage in UFC Lightweight division history (59.2%)^[136]
- Fourth most significant strikes landed per minute in UFC Lightweight division history (6.78)^[136]
World Series of Fighting
- WSOF Lightweight Championship (One time; first; only)
  - Five successful title defenses
- Most consecutive title defenses (five)
- Most wins in title bouts (six)
- Longest lightweight winning streak (10)
- Most knockout wins (nine)
World MMA Awards
- 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Eddie Alvarez at UFC 218^[139]
- 2017 Comeback of the Year vs. Michael Johnson at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale^[139]
- 2024 Fight of the Year vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300^[140]
MMAjunkie
- 2015 March Fight of the Month vs. Luis Palomino^[141]
- 2015 September Fight of the Month vs. Luis Palomino^[142]
- 2017 Round of the Year vs. Michael Johnson (Round 1)^[143]
- 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier^[144]
- 2021 November Fight of the Month vs. Michael Chandler^[145]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[103]
- 2023 March Fight of the Month vs. Rafael Fiziev^[146]
- 2023 July Knockout of the Month vs. Dustin Poirier^[147]
Yahoo! Sports
- 2015 Best Fight of the Half-Year vs. Luis Palomino^[148]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[108]
MMAFighting.com
- 2021 Fight of the year vs. Michael Chandler^[104]
Sherdog
- 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[66]
- 2017 Round of the Year vs. Michael Johnson (Round 2)^[67]
- 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier^[149]
- 2018 Round of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier (round 2)^[150]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[105]
- 2021 Round of the Year vs. Michael Chandler (Round 1)^[151]
- 2023 Round of the Year vs. Rafael Fiziev^[152]
Bleacher Report
- 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[153]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[109]
RealSport
- 2017 UFC Debut of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[154]
CBS Sports
- 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[155]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[102]
Bloody Elbow
- 2017 Best Fight of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[156]
Cageside Press
- 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Johnson^[157]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[158]
- 2023 Knockout of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier^[159]
MMAWeekly.com
- 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier^[160]
CombatPress.com
- 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Dustin Poirier^[161]
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[162]
MMADNA.nl
- 2017 Fight of the Year vs. Eddie Alvarez^[163]
- 2017 Debut of the Year.^[164]
Lowkick MMA
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[106]
Daily Mirror
- 2021 Fight of the Year vs. Michael Chandler^[107]
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- MMA Match of the Year (2018) vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje^[165]
- MMA Match of the Year (2021) vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 268^[166]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
30 matches	25 wins	5 losses
By knockout	20	3
By submission	1	2
By decision	4	0


Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	25–5	Max Holloway	KO (punch)	UFC 300	April 13, 2024	5	4:59	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	Lost the symbolic "BMF" title. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year.
Win	25–4	Dustin Poirier	KO (head kick)	UFC 291	July 29, 2023	2	1:00	Salt Lake City, Utah, United States	Won the symbolic "BMF" title. Performance of the Night.
Win	24–4	Rafael Fiziev	Decision (majority)	UFC 286	March 18, 2023	3	5:00	London, England	Fight of the Night.
Loss	23–4	Charles Oliveira	Submission (rear-naked choke)	UFC 274	May 7, 2022	1	3:22	Phoenix, Arizona, United States	For the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Oliveira missed weight (155.5 lb) and was stripped of the title. Only Gaethje was eligible to win the title.
Win	23–3	Michael Chandler	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 268	November 6, 2021	3	5:00	New York City, New York, United States	Fight of the Night.
Loss	22–3	Khabib Nurmagomedov	Technical Submission (triangle choke)	UFC 254	October 24, 2020	2	1:34	Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win	22–2	Tony Ferguson	TKO (punch)	UFC 249	May 9, 2020	5	3:39	Jacksonville, Florida, United States	Won the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Win	21–2	Donald Cerrone	TKO (punches)	UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje	September 14, 2019	1	4:18	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada	Performance of the Night.
Win	20–2	Edson Barboza	KO (punch)	UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje	March 30, 2019	1	2:30	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States	Fight of the Night.
Win	19–2	James Vick	KO (punches)	UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick	August 25, 2018	1	1:27	Lincoln, Nebraska, United States	Performance of the Night.
Loss	18–2	Dustin Poirier	TKO (punches)	UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje	April 14, 2018	4	0:33	Glendale, Arizona, United States	Fight of the Night. Gaethje was deducted one point in round 3 due to repeated eye pokes.
Loss	18–1	Eddie Alvarez	KO (knee)	UFC 218	December 2, 2017	3	3:59	Detroit, Michigan, United States	Fight of the Night.
Win	18–0	Michael Johnson	TKO (punches and knees)	The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale	July 7, 2017	2	4:48	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Win	17–0	Luiz Firmino	TKO (doctor stoppage)	WSOF 34	December 31, 2016	3	5:00	New York City, New York, United States	Defended the WSOF Lightweight Championship.
Win	16–0	Brian Foster	TKO (leg kicks)	WSOF 29	March 12, 2016	1	1:43	Greeley, Colorado, United States	Defended the WSOF Lightweight Championship.
Win	15–0	Luis Palomino	TKO (punches)	WSOF 23	September 18, 2015	2	4:30	Phoenix, Arizona, United States	Defended the WSOF Lightweight Championship.
Win	14–0	Luis Palomino	TKO (leg kicks and punches)	WSOF 19	March 28, 2015	3	3:57	Phoenix, Arizona, United States	Defended the WSOF Lightweight Championship.
Win	13–0	Melvin Guillard	Decision (split)	WSOF 15	November 15, 2014	3	5:00	Tampa, Florida, United States	Non-title bout; Guillard missed weight (158.8 lb).
Win	12–0	Nick Newell	TKO (punches)	WSOF 11	July 5, 2014	2	3:09	Daytona Beach, Florida, United States	Defended the WSOF Lightweight Championship.
Win	11–0	Richard Patishnock	TKO (punches and elbows)	WSOF 8	January 18, 2014	1	1:09	Hollywood, Florida, United States	Won the inaugural WSOF Lightweight Championship.
Win	10–0	Dan Lauzon	KO (punches)	WSOF 6	October 28, 2013	2	1:40	Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win	9–0	Brian Cobb	TKO (leg kicks)	WSOF 3	June 14, 2013	3	2:19	Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	8–0	Gesias Cavalcante	TKO (doctor stoppage)	WSOF 2	March 23, 2013	1	2:27	Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win	7–0	Adrian Valdez	TKO (punches)	Rage in the Cage 164	November 16, 2012	2	0:19	Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win	6–0	Drew Fickett	KO (punch)	Rage in the Cage 163	October 20, 2012	1	0:12	Chandler, Arizona, United States	Catchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win	5–0	Sam Young	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Rage in the Cage 162	September 29, 2012	2	1:58	Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win	4–0	Marcus Edwards	Decision (unanimous)	ROF 43: Bad Blood	June 2, 2012	3	5:00	Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win	3–0	Donnie Bell	TKO (punches)	ROF 42: Who's Next	December 17, 2011	2	2:57	Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win	2–0	Joe Kelso	TKO (punches)	BTT MMA 2: Genesis	October 1, 2011	1	4:32	Pueblo, Colorado, United States	Lightweight debut.
Win	1–0	Kevin Croom	KO (slam)	ROF 41: Bragging Rights	August 20, 2011	1	1:01	Broomfield, Colorado, United States	Catchweight (159 lb) bout.

^[167]

NCAA record

NCAA Championships Matches
Res.	Record	Opponent	Score	Date	Event
2011 NCAA Championships at 149 lbs^[168]
Loss	6–6	Scott Sakaguchi	SV 6–8	March 17, 2011	2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship
Win	6–5	Don Vinson	6–4
Loss	5–5	Ganbayar Sanjaa	2–6
2010 NCAA Championships 7th at 157 lbs^[169]
Win	5–4	Stephen Brown	12–7	March 19, 2010	2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship
Loss	4–4	Cyler Sanderson	6–10
Win	4–3	Shane Vernon	TB 6–5
Loss	3–3	J.P O’ Connor	1–8
Win	3–2	Matt Moley	TB 3–2
Win	2–2	Bryce Saddoris	6–4
Win	1–2	Hadley Harrison	5–4
2009 NCAA Championships at 157 lbs^[170]
Loss	0–2	Mike Kessler	6–11	March 19, 2009	2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Loss	0–1	Neil Erisman	3–8

Pay-per-view bouts

No.	Event	Fight	Date	Venue	City	PPV buys
1.	UFC 249	Ferguson vs. Gaethje	May 9, 2020	VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena	Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.	700,000^[171]
2.	UFC 254	Khabib vs. Gaethje	October 24, 2020	Flash Forum	Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE	675,000^[172]
3.	UFC 274	Oliveira vs. Gaethje	May 7, 2022	Footprint Center	Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.	400,000^[173]
4.	UFC 291	Poirier vs. Gaethje 2	July 29, 2023	Delta Center	Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.	Not Disclosed^[174]

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External links

Justin Gaethje at UFC
Professional MMA record for Justin Gaethje from Sherdog

Achievements
Vacant Title last held by Dustin Poirier	3rd UFC Interim Lightweight Champion May 9, 2020 – October 24, 2020	Vacant

[1] "Justin Gaethje – Official UFC® Profile". 16 March 2023.

[ufc21-2] Zac Pacleb (October 31, 2021). "The Special Relationship Between Justin Gaethje And Trevor Wittman". Ultimate Fighting Championship.

[3] Garcia, Raphael; Humes, Schwan (5 May 2017). MMA Ratings Podcast: 5.4.2017 (Podcast). MMA Ratings Podcast. Event occurs at 24:28. Retrieved 5 May 2017.

[4] "Former WSOF champ Justin Gaethje takes shots at 'quitter' Conor McGregor ahead of UFC debut". bloodyelbow.com. June 30, 2017. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2017.

[5] ttps://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/what-belt-justin-gaethje-bjj-all-the-highlight-s-rank#:~:text=Despite%20his%20wrestling%20background%2C%20Gaethje,never%20sustained%20training%20in%20art ^{[bare URL]}

[UFCprofile-6] "Justin Gaethje | UFC Profile". UFC.com. 14 September 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2021.

[7] "Family tree of Justin Gaethje". Geneanet. Retrieved 2024-10-14.

[8] AP (2023-07-30). "Gaethje knocks out Poirier in second round to win UFC 291 lightweight bout". Sportstar. Retrieved 2023-09-29.

[9] "UFC 291: Justin Gaethje KOs Dustin Poirier for BMF belt, wants lightweight title shot". Yahoo Sports. 2023-07-30. Retrieved 2023-09-29.

[10] "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2024-04-16.

[11] "Justin Gaethje, campeón de UFC con sangre sonorense – Grupo Milenio". 5 December 2020.

[12] "Fight Path: Miner's son Justin Gaethje ready to unleash patented slams at WSOF 2". mmajunkie.com. March 21, 2013.

[auto1-13] "Justin Gaethje: From the copper mines to the smiling fields of gold". mmafighting.com. January 17, 2014.

[14] Justin Gaethje's Knockout Rate Trumps MMA All-Timers

[ESPN-15] "UFC 249: Inside Justin Gaethje's journey from a mining town to MMA stardom". ESPN.com. 2020-05-07. Retrieved 2020-05-10.

[Al-Shatti-16] Al-Shatti, Shaun (2017-12-18). "Justin Gaethje calls KO loss to Eddie Alvarez a 'dream come true'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-05-12.

[17] "WSOF champ Justin Gaethje: I won't take a pay cut to go to the UFC". bloodyelbow.com. March 9, 2016. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.

[18] "MMA practically a birthright for WSOF champ Gaethje". orlandosentinel.com. June 28, 2014.

[19] "Former UNC Wrestling Standout Justin Gaethje Returns to Campus to Defend MMA Championship". unco.edu. March 8, 2016.

[20] Fickel, Dan (September 15, 2007). "2007 College Recruiting" (PDF).

[21] "Arizona Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame" (PDF). Arizona Interscholastic Association.

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@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 | fighting_out_of = [[Denver, Colorado]], U.S.
 | team            = [[Grudge Training Center]] (2011–2016)<ref name=ufc21>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/special-bond-between-justin-gaethje-and-trevor-wittman|title=The Special Relationship Between Justin Gaethje And Trevor Wittman|date=October 31, 2021|author=Zac Pacleb|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |last1=Garcia |first1=Raphael |last2=Humes |first2=Schwan |date=5 May 2017 |title=MMA Ratings Podcast: 5.4.2017 |language= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEtYvCUKluU&t=24m28s |series=MMA Ratings Podcast |access-date=5 May 2017 |medium=Podcast |time=24:28}}</ref> <br /> Genesis Training Center<br />Elevation Fight Team
-| trainer         = [[Trevor Wittman]] (2011–present)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/6/30/15904294/ufc-interview-tuf-25-finale-justin-gaethje-quitter-conor-mcgregor-michael-johnson-wsof-mma-news|title=Former WSOF champ Justin Gaethje takes shots at 'quitter' Conor McGregor ahead of UFC debut |website=bloodyelbow.com|date=June 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name=ufc21 />
+| trainer         = [[Trevor Wittman]] (2011–present)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/6/30/15904294/ufc-interview-tuf-25-finale-justin-gaethje-quitter-conor-mcgregor-michael-johnson-wsof-mma-news|title=Former WSOF champ Justin Gaethje takes shots at 'quitter' Conor McGregor ahead of UFC debut|website=bloodyelbow.com|date=June 30, 2017|access-date=July 9, 2017|archive-date=November 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119182628/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/6/30/15904294/ufc-interview-tuf-25-finale-justin-gaethje-quitter-conor-mcgregor-michael-johnson-wsof-mma-news|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=ufc21 />
 | years_active    = 2011–present
 | mma_kowin       = 20
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 ===High-school===
-Gaethje began [[wrestling]] at the age of four.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/9/11186162/wsof-lightweight-champion-justin-gaethje-mma-news-undefeated-Brian-Foster-title|title=WSOF champ Justin Gaethje: I won't take a pay cut to go to the UFC|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> He attended [[Safford High School]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/os-mma-justin-gaethje-set-to-defend-title-in-daytona-20140628-post.html|title=MMA practically a birthright for WSOF champ Gaethje|publisher=orlandosentinel.com|date=June 28, 2014}}</ref> where he was a four-time finalist and two-time state champion ([[Arizona Interscholastic Association|AIA]]).<ref>{{cite web|date=March 8, 2016|title=Former UNC Wrestling Standout Justin Gaethje Returns to Campus to Defend MMA Championship|url=http://www.unco.edu/news/releases.aspx?id=9231|publisher=unco.edu}}</ref> He still holds the seventh-most [[Scholastic wrestling#Match scoring|near falls]] (218) and the ninth-most team points scored (1057.5) in the history of the state as a wrestler.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2007 College Recruiting|url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/college/ewExternalFiles/2007%20College%20Recruiting.pdf|last=Fickel|first=Dan|date=September 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Arizona Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame|url=http://aiaonline.org/files/1446/boys-wrestling-records.pdf|website=Arizona Interscholastic Association}}</ref> Gaethje also played [[American football|football]] and [[baseball]] in high school.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Justin Gaethje's High School Timeline|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/justin-gaethje/uIq5_vTuEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/default.htm|website=MaxPreps.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref>
+Gaethje began [[wrestling]] at the age of four.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/9/11186162/wsof-lightweight-champion-justin-gaethje-mma-news-undefeated-Brian-Foster-title|title=WSOF champ Justin Gaethje: I won't take a pay cut to go to the UFC|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311105041/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/9/11186162/wsof-lightweight-champion-justin-gaethje-mma-news-undefeated-Brian-Foster-title|url-status=dead}}</ref> He attended [[Safford High School]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/os-mma-justin-gaethje-set-to-defend-title-in-daytona-20140628-post.html|title=MMA practically a birthright for WSOF champ Gaethje|publisher=orlandosentinel.com|date=June 28, 2014}}</ref> where he was a four-time finalist and two-time state champion ([[Arizona Interscholastic Association|AIA]]).<ref>{{cite web|date=March 8, 2016|title=Former UNC Wrestling Standout Justin Gaethje Returns to Campus to Defend MMA Championship|url=http://www.unco.edu/news/releases.aspx?id=9231|publisher=unco.edu}}</ref> He still holds the seventh-most [[Scholastic wrestling#Match scoring|near falls]] (218) and the ninth-most team points scored (1057.5) in the history of the state as a wrestler.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2007 College Recruiting|url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/college/ewExternalFiles/2007%20College%20Recruiting.pdf|last=Fickel|first=Dan|date=September 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Arizona Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame|url=http://aiaonline.org/files/1446/boys-wrestling-records.pdf|website=Arizona Interscholastic Association}}</ref> Gaethje also played [[American football|football]] and [[baseball]] in high school.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Justin Gaethje's High School Timeline|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/justin-gaethje/uIq5_vTuEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/default.htm|website=MaxPreps.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref>
 ===Collegiate===
 Gaethje graduated from Safford High School with a 191–9 record.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Justin Gaethje – 2010–11 – Wrestling|url=https://uncbears.com/sports/wrestling/roster/justin-gaethje/1679|website=University of Northern Colorado Athletics|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> He initially applied to a small college in Arizona as he wanted to stay close to his family, but instead accepted an offer from the [[NCAA Division I]] program at the [[University of Northern Colorado]].<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|title=UFC 249: Inside Justin Gaethje's journey from a mining town to MMA stardom|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29133514/ufc-249-justin-gaethje-journey-mining-town-mma-stardom|date=2020-05-07|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> As a freshman, Gaethje had an 18–9 record, including a third-place finish at the Oregon Wrestling Classic. In his sophomore season, he qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division I 157 lb [[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|Championship]], where he posted a 0–2 record. He finished the season with a 14–4 record and was named to the Western Wrestling All-Conference First Team.<ref name=":1" />
-As a junior, Gaethje went 5–2 at the 2010 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship to earn 7th place and [[All-America]]n status. This made him the first Northern Colorado wrestler to attain Division I All-American status since Larry Wagner in 1970.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Former UNC All-American wrestler Gaethje to headline MMA fighting event in Greeley|url=http://www.greeleytribune.com/sports/greeley-sports/former-unc-all-american-wrestler-gaethje-to-headline-mma-fighting-event-in-greeley/#|date=March 11, 2016|publisher=greeleytribune.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1823507-the-beaten-path-prospect-justin-gaethje-is-newest-member-of-long-mma-tradition|title=The Beaten Path: Prospect Justin Gaethje Is Newest Member of Long MMA Tradition|publisher=bleacherreport.com|date=October 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gaethje Advances To Final Day of NCAA Championship|url=https://uncbears.com/news/2010/3/19/3_19_2010_2905.aspx|website=University of Northern Colorado Athletics|date=19 March 2010 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> Gaethje dropped down to the 149 lb division for his senior year, but had struggles with weight cutting.<ref>{{Cite web|title=An up-and-down year: UNC's Justin Gaethje still trying to find his groove at 149 pounds {{!}} GreeleyTribune.com|url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/an-up-and-down-year-uncs-justin-gaethje-still-trying-to-find-his-groove-at-149-pounds/|date=2011-02-10|website=Greeley Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=WSOF champ Gaethje won't take a pay cut for the UFC|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/9/11186162/wsof-lightweight-champion-justin-gaethje-mma-news-undefeated-Brian-Foster-title|last=Mercado|first=Eddie|date=2016-03-09|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> He won true-second at the NCAA Western Regional Championships<ref>{{Cite web|title=Match of the Day: Justin Gaethje wins true-second at 2011 NCAA West Region Championships|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/11/Justin-Gaethje-match-of-the-day|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618054027/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/11/Justin-Gaethje-match-of-the-day|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 18, 2021}}</ref> and so qualified for the 2011 NCAA Division I 149 lb Championship,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wrestlers finish 6th at regionals|url=https://uncbears.com/news/2011/3/6/3_6_2011_2877.aspx|website=University of Northern Colorado Athletics|date=6 March 2011 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> where he posted a 1–2 record to end his senior season with a 17–8 record.<ref name=":1" />
+As a junior, Gaethje went 5–2 at the 2010 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship to earn 7th place and [[All-America]]n status. This made him the first Northern Colorado wrestler to attain Division I All-American status since Larry Wagner in 1970.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Former UNC All-American wrestler Gaethje to headline MMA fighting event in Greeley|url=http://www.greeleytribune.com/sports/greeley-sports/former-unc-all-american-wrestler-gaethje-to-headline-mma-fighting-event-in-greeley/#|date=March 11, 2016|publisher=greeleytribune.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1823507-the-beaten-path-prospect-justin-gaethje-is-newest-member-of-long-mma-tradition|title=The Beaten Path: Prospect Justin Gaethje Is Newest Member of Long MMA Tradition|publisher=bleacherreport.com|date=October 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gaethje Advances To Final Day of NCAA Championship|url=https://uncbears.com/news/2010/3/19/3_19_2010_2905.aspx|website=University of Northern Colorado Athletics|date=19 March 2010 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> Gaethje dropped down to the 149 lb division for his senior year, but had struggles with weight cutting.<ref>{{Cite web|title=An up-and-down year: UNC's Justin Gaethje still trying to find his groove at 149 pounds {{!}} GreeleyTribune.com|url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/an-up-and-down-year-uncs-justin-gaethje-still-trying-to-find-his-groove-at-149-pounds/|date=2011-02-10|website=Greeley Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=WSOF champ Gaethje won't take a pay cut for the UFC|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/3/9/11186162/wsof-lightweight-champion-justin-gaethje-mma-news-undefeated-Brian-Foster-title|last=Mercado|first=Eddie|date=2016-03-09|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He won true-second at the NCAA Western Regional Championships<ref>{{Cite web|title=Match of the Day: Justin Gaethje wins true-second at 2011 NCAA West Region Championships|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/11/Justin-Gaethje-match-of-the-day|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618054027/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/May/11/Justin-Gaethje-match-of-the-day|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 18, 2021}}</ref> and so qualified for the 2011 NCAA Division I 149 lb Championship,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wrestlers finish 6th at regionals|url=https://uncbears.com/news/2011/3/6/3_6_2011_2877.aspx|website=University of Northern Colorado Athletics|date=6 March 2011 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> where he posted a 1–2 record to end his senior season with a 17–8 record.<ref name=":1" />
 In June 2020, it was announced that Gaethje would be inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in wrestling.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-30|title=University of Northern Colorado to induct Justin Gaethje into Athletic Hall of Fame|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/06/ufc-justin-gaethje-university-of-northern-colorados-athletic-hall-of-fame|access-date=2020-07-09|website=MMA Junkie|language=en}}</ref>
@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 Gaethje had a rematch against Palomino on September 18, 2015, at [[World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II|WSOF 23]] and defended his belt again, finishing Palomino in the second round by TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/9/19/9351771/wsof-23-results-recap-video-highlights-gifs-and-more-for-gaethje-vs|title=WSOF 23 results recap: Video highlights, .gifs and more for 'Gaethje vs Palomino 2'|publisher=mmamania.com|date=September 19, 2015}}</ref>
-At [[World Series of Fighting 29: Gaethje vs. Foster|WSOF 29]] on March 12, 2016, he defended his belt against [[Brian Foster (fighter)|Brian Foster]] via TKO due to leg kicks at 1:43 of the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/wsof-29-video-champ-justin-gaethje-chops-down-brian-foster-with-brutal-leg-kicks|title=WSOF 29 video: Champ Justin Gaethje chops down Brian Foster with brutal leg kicks|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=March 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/free-agent-heavyweight-matt-mitrione-decides-sign-bellator|title=Free agent heavyweight Matt Mitrione decides to sign with Bellator|publisher=reviewjournal.com|date=March 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/video/justin-gaethje-beats-brian-foster-leg-kicks-first-round|title=Justin Gaethje Beats Brian Foster with Leg Kicks in First Round|publisher=nbcsports.com|date=March 14, 2016}}</ref> Three days later, Gaethje was suspended indefinitely by the Colorado State Athletic Commission for "unsportsmanlike conduct" after he performed his signature celebration, a backflip off the top of the cage, in the aftermath of his victory at WSOF 29.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/unsportsmanlike-conduct-following-wsof-29-sidelines-justin-gaethje-223300632--mma.html|title=Unsportsmanlike Conduct Following WSOF 29 Sidelines Justin Gaethje Indefinitely|publisher=yahoo.com|date=March 15, 2016}}</ref> The suspension was lifted a day later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/3/16/11246332/justin-gaethje-taken-off-indefinite-suspension-after-talk-with|title=Justin Gaethje taken off 'indefinite suspension' after talk with Colorado commission|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=March 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/colorado-lifts-wsof-champ-justin-gaethjes-indefinite-suspension-161421797--mma.html|title=Colorado Lifts WSOF Champ Justin Gaethje's Indefinite Suspension|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=March 16, 2016}}</ref>
+At [[World Series of Fighting 29: Gaethje vs. Foster|WSOF 29]] on March 12, 2016, he defended his belt against [[Brian Foster (fighter)|Brian Foster]] via TKO due to leg kicks at 1:43 of the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/wsof-29-video-champ-justin-gaethje-chops-down-brian-foster-with-brutal-leg-kicks|title=WSOF 29 video: Champ Justin Gaethje chops down Brian Foster with brutal leg kicks|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=March 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/free-agent-heavyweight-matt-mitrione-decides-sign-bellator|title=Free agent heavyweight Matt Mitrione decides to sign with Bellator|publisher=reviewjournal.com|date=March 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/video/justin-gaethje-beats-brian-foster-leg-kicks-first-round|title=Justin Gaethje Beats Brian Foster with Leg Kicks in First Round|publisher=nbcsports.com|date=March 14, 2016|access-date=March 16, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108185936/https://www.nbcsports.com/video/justin-gaethje-beats-brian-foster-leg-kicks-first-round|url-status=dead}}</ref> Three days later, Gaethje was suspended indefinitely by the Colorado State Athletic Commission for "unsportsmanlike conduct" after he performed his signature celebration, a backflip off the top of the cage, in the aftermath of his victory at WSOF 29.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/unsportsmanlike-conduct-following-wsof-29-sidelines-justin-gaethje-223300632--mma.html|title=Unsportsmanlike Conduct Following WSOF 29 Sidelines Justin Gaethje Indefinitely|publisher=yahoo.com|date=March 15, 2016}}</ref> The suspension was lifted a day later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/3/16/11246332/justin-gaethje-taken-off-indefinite-suspension-after-talk-with|title=Justin Gaethje taken off 'indefinite suspension' after talk with Colorado commission|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=March 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/colorado-lifts-wsof-champ-justin-gaethjes-indefinite-suspension-161421797--mma.html|title=Colorado Lifts WSOF Champ Justin Gaethje's Indefinite Suspension|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=March 16, 2016}}</ref>
 Gaethje was expected to defend the WSOF Lightweight Championship against Ozzy Dugulubgov at [[World Series of Fighting 33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov|WSOF 33]] on October 7, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/with-3-hour-broadcast-6-bout-wsof-33-main-card-complete-with-nurmagomedov-howard|title=With 3-hour broadcast, 6-bout WSOF 33 main card complete with Nurmagomedov-Howard|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 30, 2016}}</ref> However, the bout was cancelled on the day of the event as Dugulubgov was stricken with illness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/tonights-justin-gaethje-vs-ozzy-dugulubgov-wsof-33-headliner-canceled|title=Tonight's Justin Gaethje vs. Ozzy Dugulubgov WSOF 33 headliner canceled|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 7, 2016}}</ref>
-On October 17, 2016, it was announced that Gaethje would defend the [[WSOF Lightweight Championship]] against João Zeferino on December 31, 2016, at [[World Series of Fighting 34: Gaethje vs. Firmino|WSOF 34]] in the main event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/10/17/13306728/three-title-fights-official-for-wsof-s-debut-in-new-york|title=Three title fights set for WSOF's debut in New York|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=October 17, 2016}}</ref> However, an injury forced Zeferino to withdraw from the bout and he was replaced by [[Luiz Firmino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/12/13/13937304/mma-news-joao-zeferino-out-justin-gaethje-vs-luiz-firmino-wsof-nyc|title=Zeferino out, Justin Gaethje vs. Luiz Firmino now headlines WSOF: NYC|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=December 13, 2016}}</ref> Gaethje won the bout by TKO via doctor stoppage due to Firmino's right eye being swollen after round three.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/World-Series-of-Fighting-34-Results-PlaybyPlay-RoundbyRound-Scoring-115437#wsof-lightweight-title-fight:-justin-gaethje-luiz-firmino|title=World Series of Fighting 34 Results: Play-by-Play & Round-by-Round Scoring|publisher=sherdog.com|date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>
+On October 17, 2016, it was announced that Gaethje would defend the [[WSOF Lightweight Championship]] against João Zeferino on December 31, 2016, at [[World Series of Fighting 34: Gaethje vs. Firmino|WSOF 34]] in the main event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/10/17/13306728/three-title-fights-official-for-wsof-s-debut-in-new-york|title=Three title fights set for WSOF's debut in New York|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=October 17, 2016}}</ref> However, an injury forced Zeferino to withdraw from the bout and he was replaced by [[Luiz Firmino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/12/13/13937304/mma-news-joao-zeferino-out-justin-gaethje-vs-luiz-firmino-wsof-nyc|title=Zeferino out, Justin Gaethje vs. Luiz Firmino now headlines WSOF: NYC|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108175831/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/12/13/13937304/mma-news-joao-zeferino-out-justin-gaethje-vs-luiz-firmino-wsof-nyc|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gaethje won the bout by TKO via doctor stoppage due to Firmino's right eye being swollen after round three.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/World-Series-of-Fighting-34-Results-PlaybyPlay-RoundbyRound-Scoring-115437#wsof-lightweight-title-fight:-justin-gaethje-luiz-firmino|title=World Series of Fighting 34 Results: Play-by-Play & Round-by-Round Scoring|publisher=sherdog.com|date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>
 ===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 Gaethje was scheduled to fight [[Al Iaquinta]] on August 25, 2018, at [[UFC Fight Night 135]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/justin-gaethje-al-iaquinta-headlines-ufc-fight-night-135-lincoln-nebraska|title = Report: Justin Gaethje vs. Al Iaquinta headlines UFC Fight Night 135 in Nebraska (Updated)|date = 7 June 2018}}</ref> However, on June 28, 2018, Iaquinta withdrew from the bout and he was replaced by [[James Vick]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/6/28/17512558/ufc-announces-james-vick-as-replacement-for-al-iaquinta-vs-justin-gaethje-in-ufc-lincoln-main-event|title=UFC announces James Vick as replacement for Al Iaquinta vs. Justin Gaethje in UFC Lincoln main event|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-06-28}}</ref> Gaethje rebounded from his two losses in emphatic fashion, winning the fight by knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/ufc-fight-night-135-lincoln-results-justin-gaethje-destroys-james-vick-one-punch-knockout|title=UFC Fight Night 135 results: Justin Gaethje destroys James Vick with one-punch KO|date=2018-08-26|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-08-26}}</ref> He was also awarded a Performance of Night award, which meant he had earned five bonus awards in his four fights in UFC.<ref name="MMA Fighting">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/8/26/17783040/ufc-lincoln-bonuses-justin-gaethje-earns-fifth-bonus-in-four-fights|title=UFC Lincoln bonuses: Justin Gaethje earns fifth bonus in four fights|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-08-26}}</ref>
-Gaethje faced [[Edson Barboza]] on March 30, 2019, at [[UFC on ESPN 2]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/1/16/18185849/edson-barboza-vs-justin-gaethje-agreed-on-for-ufc-on-espn-card-in-philadelphia|title=Edson Barboza vs. Justin Gaethje agreed on for UFC on ESPN card in Philadelphia|date=2019-01-16|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|access-date=2019-01-18}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/ufc-philadelphia-justin-gaethje-lays-out-edson-barboza-with-one-punch|title=UFC Philadelphia: Justin Gaethje lays out Edson Barboza with one punch|date=2019-03-31|website=MMA Junkie|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref> This fight earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] award.<ref name="Haynes">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/3/30/18288603/ufc-philadelphia-post-fight-bonuses-justin-gaethje-massive-ko-of-edson-barboza-nets-fotn|title=UFC Philadelphia post-fight bonuses: Gaethje's massive KO nets FOTN honors|last=Haynes|first=Stephie|date=2019-03-30|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref>
+Gaethje faced [[Edson Barboza]] on March 30, 2019, at [[UFC on ESPN 2]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/1/16/18185849/edson-barboza-vs-justin-gaethje-agreed-on-for-ufc-on-espn-card-in-philadelphia|title=Edson Barboza vs. Justin Gaethje agreed on for UFC on ESPN card in Philadelphia|date=2019-01-16|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|access-date=2019-01-18}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/ufc-philadelphia-justin-gaethje-lays-out-edson-barboza-with-one-punch|title=UFC Philadelphia: Justin Gaethje lays out Edson Barboza with one punch|date=2019-03-31|website=MMA Junkie|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref> This fight earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] award.<ref name="Haynes">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/3/30/18288603/ufc-philadelphia-post-fight-bonuses-justin-gaethje-massive-ko-of-edson-barboza-nets-fotn|title=UFC Philadelphia post-fight bonuses: Gaethje's massive KO nets FOTN honors|last=Haynes|first=Stephie|date=2019-03-30|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2019-03-31|archive-date=2020-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912231542/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/3/30/18288603/ufc-philadelphia-post-fight-bonuses-justin-gaethje-massive-ko-of-edson-barboza-nets-fotn|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 Gaethje next faced [[Donald Cerrone]] on September 14, 2019, in the main event at [[UFC on ESPN+ 16]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/donald-cerrone-vs-justin-gaethje-headlines-ufc-vancouver/|title=Donald Cerrone vs. Justin Gaethje Headlines UFC Vancouver • MMA News|last=Aidoo|first=Clyde|date=2019-07-18|website=MMA News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-18}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/09/14/ufc-vancouver-results-justin-gaethje-kos-donald-cerrone/|title=UFC Vancouver Results: Justin Gaethje KO's Donald Cerrone|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2019-09-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-15}}</ref> The win also earned Gaethje his third Performance of the Night bonus award.<ref name="MMAmania">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/9/14/20861565/official-ufc-vancouver-bonus-winners-cerrone-gaethje-results-espn-mma-highlights-knockout-submission|title=Official UFC Vancouver bonuses: Tristan Connelly earns FOTN honors in upset over Michel Pereira|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2019-09-14|publisher=MMAmania.com|access-date=2019-09-14}}</ref>
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 On April 6, it was announced that Gaethje would step in on short notice to face [[Tony Ferguson]] for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on April 18, at [[UFC 249]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1247244643248422912|title=Strap In. #UFC249pic.twitter.com/jXPNYAjX3h|last=UFC|date=2020-04-06|website=@ufc|language=en|access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref> However, on April 9, UFC president [[Dana White]] announced that this event had been postponed,<ref name="Postpone">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=[[ESPN]]|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> and the bout instead took place for May 9, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Revised – UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje Fight Card {{!}} MMAWeekly.com|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-249-khabib-vs-ferguson-fight-card|date=2020-04-27|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref> Gaethje dominated the fight, stopping Ferguson via TKO in the fifth round, and thus ending Ferguson's personal best of 12 consecutive wins.<ref name="Interim">{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 Results: Justin Gaethje Wears Down Tony Ferguson, Wins Belt|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/05/10/ufc-249-results-justin-gaethje/|last=McDonagh|first=Joe|date=2020-05-10|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 Scorecard: Gaethje was crushing Ferguson before 5th round TKO|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2020/5/10/21253559/ufc-249-quick-pic-gaethje-was-crushing-ferguson-on-scorecards-before-5th-round-tko|last=Harkness|first=Ryan|date=2020-05-10|website=MMAmania.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> He also continued his bonus award streak, earning the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] and [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] awards.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 Bonuses! Gaethje Nets $100K For Main Event TKO|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2020/5/10/21250629/ufc-249-official-bonus-winners-ferguson-gaethje-cejudo-cruz-mma-espn-ppv-results-knockout-ngannou|last=Hiergesell|first=Dan|date=2020-05-10|website=MMAmania.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref> This made Gaethje the only fighter in UFC history to win at least one fight night bonus in each of his first seven appearances.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 post-event facts: Justin Gaethje adds to historic bonus run|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/05/ufc-249-post-event-facts-justin-gaethje-historic-bonus-run|date=2020-05-10|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
-Gaethje fought in a unification bout for the [[List of UFC champions|UFC Lightweight Championship]] against [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] on October 24, 2020<!-- DO NOT CHANGE UAE Local date (October 24, 2020) as per [[MOS:TIMEZONE]] Wikipedia guideline – This event takes place in local prime-time, therefore it's not on Sunday!  -->, at [[UFC 254]].<ref name="LWT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/28/sport/khabib-nurmagomedov-gaethje-ufc-white-spt-intl/index.html|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov to fight Justin Gaethje in October return, says UFC president Dana White|publisher=[[CNN.com]]|author1=Don Riddell|author2=Glen Levy|author3=Ben Church|date=2020-07-28|access-date=2020-07-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/7/28/21344979/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-justin-gaethje-october-24-dana-white-ufc-255-mma-news|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje set for UFC 255|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Shakiel Mahjouri |date=2020-07-28|access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref> He lost the fight via technical submission due to [[triangle choke]] in the second round, marking the first submission loss in his mixed martial arts career.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mercado|first=Eddie|date=2020-10-24|title=UFC 254 results: Khabib Nurmagomedov chokes out Justin Gaethje with triangle, retires from MMA|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/10/24/21531670/ufc-254-results-khabib-nurmagomedov-chokes-out-justin-gaethje-with-triangle-retires-mma-news|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}}</ref> Despite tapping, referee Jason Herzog did not stop the bout before Gaethje [[Syncope (medicine)|lost consciousness]] due to the choke.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kini|first=Abhinav|title=Jason Herzog defends stoppage of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 254|url=https://thebodylockmma.com/ufc/news-ufc/jason-herzog-defends-stoppage-of-khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-justin-gaethje-fight-at-ufc-254/|access-date=2020-10-26|website=The Body Lock|date=26 October 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
+Gaethje fought in a unification bout for the [[List of UFC champions|UFC Lightweight Championship]] against [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] on October 24, 2020<!-- DO NOT CHANGE UAE Local date (October 24, 2020) as per [[MOS:TIMEZONE]] Wikipedia guideline – This event takes place in local prime-time, therefore it's not on Sunday!  -->, at [[UFC 254]].<ref name="LWT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/28/sport/khabib-nurmagomedov-gaethje-ufc-white-spt-intl/index.html|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov to fight Justin Gaethje in October return, says UFC president Dana White|publisher=[[CNN.com]]|author1=Don Riddell|author2=Glen Levy|author3=Ben Church|date=2020-07-28|access-date=2020-07-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/7/28/21344979/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-justin-gaethje-october-24-dana-white-ufc-255-mma-news|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje set for UFC 255|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Shakiel Mahjouri |date=2020-07-28|access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref> He lost the fight via technical submission due to [[triangle choke]] in the second round, marking the first submission loss in his mixed martial arts career.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mercado|first=Eddie|date=2020-10-24|title=UFC 254 results: Khabib Nurmagomedov chokes out Justin Gaethje with triangle, retires from MMA|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/10/24/21531670/ufc-254-results-khabib-nurmagomedov-chokes-out-justin-gaethje-with-triangle-retires-mma-news|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|archive-date=2023-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203153656/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/10/24/21531670/ufc-254-results-khabib-nurmagomedov-chokes-out-justin-gaethje-with-triangle-retires-mma-news|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite tapping, referee Jason Herzog did not stop the bout before Gaethje [[Syncope (medicine)|lost consciousness]] due to the choke.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kini|first=Abhinav|title=Jason Herzog defends stoppage of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 254|url=https://thebodylockmma.com/ufc/news-ufc/jason-herzog-defends-stoppage-of-khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-justin-gaethje-fight-at-ufc-254/|access-date=2020-10-26|website=The Body Lock|date=26 October 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 Gaethje faced former [[List of Bellator MMA champions#Lightweight World Championship|Bellator Lightweight Champion]] [[Michael Chandler]] at [[UFC 268]] on November 6, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-30|title=Sources: Gaethje-Chandler added to UFC 268|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31923484/sources-justin-gaethje-michael-chandler-added-ufc-268|access-date=2021-08-07|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> After a back-and-forth fight, Gaethje won the bout via unanimous decision despite knocking Chandler down and nearly finishing him in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2021-11-06|title=UFC 268 Results: Justin Gaethje Defeats Michael Chandler In FOTY Contender|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/11/06/ufc-268-results-justin-gaethje-defeats-michael-chandler-foty-contender/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> This bout earned the ''[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]]'' award.<ref name="UFC 268">{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Alexander K.|date=2021-11-07|title=UFC 268 bonuses: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler thriller leads night of six winners|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/11/7/22767988/ufc-268-bonuses-justin-gaethje-vs-michael-chandler-thriller-leads-night-of-six-winners|access-date=2021-11-07|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref> The bout was named ''Fight of the Year'' by various mixed martial arts media outlets and the UFC itself.<ref name=ufcfoty /><ref name=cbsfoty /><ref name=mmajfoty /><ref name=mmaffoty /><ref name=sdfoty /><ref name=lkfoty /><ref name=dmfoty /><ref name=ysfoty /><ref name=brfoty />
@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 == Fighting style ==
-As a two-time [[Arizona Interscholastic Association|Arizona State]] high school champion and an [[NCAA Division I]] [[All-America]]n, Gaethje has some of the best [[wrestling]] credentials in the UFC's lightweight division. Despite his elite wrestling pedigree, he rarely looks for [[Takedown (grappling)|takedowns]], instead preferring an entertaining stand-up fighting style.<ref name=":2" /> He is well known for the knockout power in his punches, and his debilitating [[leg kick]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Morphine and misery: The aftermath of Barboza's and Gaethje's leg kicks|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/26366136/morphine-misery-aftermath-barboza-gaethje-leg-kicks|date=2019-09-03|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> When asked after his loss to Poirier in 2018 why he did not use his wrestling in the bout, Gaethje said, "I’ve been wrestling my whole life. I should’ve and could’ve took him down a couple of times, especially when I had him rocked just to steal a round or two. For some reason, my mind will not let me do it. I think I sold myself so hard on the fact that this is not wrestling. It gets you tired. If I’m going to get tired, I’d rather it be from fighting and not from wrestling. That’s the reason why I never wanted to wrestle. But I did so much cardio this camp that it would not have been a problem for me to turn it into a wrestling match, but I just can’t do it, it would not be fun for me."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Justin Gaethje on why he doesn't use his wrestling: 'I honestly don't know'|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/4/29/17298196/ufc-justin-gaethje-dustin-poirier-wrestling-striking-lightweight-mma-news|last=Burke|first=Tim|date=2018-04-29|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref>
+As a two-time [[Arizona Interscholastic Association|Arizona State]] high school champion and an [[NCAA Division I]] [[All-America]]n, Gaethje has some of the best [[wrestling]] credentials in the UFC's lightweight division. Despite his elite wrestling pedigree, he rarely looks for [[Takedown (grappling)|takedowns]], instead preferring an entertaining stand-up fighting style.<ref name=":2" /> He is well known for the knockout power in his punches, and his debilitating [[leg kick]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Morphine and misery: The aftermath of Barboza's and Gaethje's leg kicks|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/26366136/morphine-misery-aftermath-barboza-gaethje-leg-kicks|date=2019-09-03|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> When asked after his loss to Poirier in 2018 why he did not use his wrestling in the bout, Gaethje said, "I’ve been wrestling my whole life. I should’ve and could’ve took him down a couple of times, especially when I had him rocked just to steal a round or two. For some reason, my mind will not let me do it. I think I sold myself so hard on the fact that this is not wrestling. It gets you tired. If I’m going to get tired, I’d rather it be from fighting and not from wrestling. That’s the reason why I never wanted to wrestle. But I did so much cardio this camp that it would not have been a problem for me to turn it into a wrestling match, but I just can’t do it, it would not be fun for me."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Justin Gaethje on why he doesn't use his wrestling: 'I honestly don't know'|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/4/29/17298196/ufc-justin-gaethje-dustin-poirier-wrestling-striking-lightweight-mma-news|last=Burke|first=Tim|date=2018-04-29|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=2018-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501230542/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/4/29/17298196/ufc-justin-gaethje-dustin-poirier-wrestling-striking-lightweight-mma-news|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 In a 2020 [[ESPN]] interview, Gaethje stated he realized after transitioning from wrestling to mixed martial arts that, while winning was still important, entertaining the fans could earn him more money. He said, "There can be guys out there who are 13–0 with 13 decisions, and they're not [even] getting paid $5,000 to fight because nobody is watching. I've gotten opportunities on the biggest stages because of the way I fight. I've never not wanted to win a belt, but I wanted to make money, and the surest way to make money in this sport was to be exciting." According to Gaethje's coach [[Trevor Wittman]], the back-to-back losses against Alvarez and Poirier caused Gaethje to change his mentality. Although he is still a [[pressure fighter]], Wittman said that Gaethje now takes fewer risks and is more selective about when to trade punches. Wittman stated, "I asked him after those two losses, 'Is your purpose still to be the most exciting fighter in the world?' And he said, 'Not really, Coach. I want to be a UFC champion.'"<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
@@ Line 126: / Line 126: @@
 Gaethje holds a bachelor's degree in [[Human Services]] from the [[University of Northern Colorado]]. He has stated his intention to do social work with [[at-risk youth]].<ref name="auto" /> Gaethje's surname is of German origin due to his German-American father.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/1/17/5304678/justin-gaethje-from-the-coppers-mines-to-the-smiling-fields-of-gold|title=Justin Gaethje: Copper mines to the field of gold|last=Mindenhall|first=Chuck|date=2014-01-17|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref>
-Gaethje underwent a [[photorefractive keratectomy]] in 2016 to correct his eyesight. He said, "I used to be blind. I had horrible vision. I was 20/60 in one eye and 20/200 in another eye. And I was far sighted in one eye and nearsighted in another eye."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Once 'Blind' Gaethje Enters The Ultimate Fighter 26 Coaching Gig with Clear Vision|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/once-blind-gaethje-enters-the-ultimate-fighter-26_b_59a7581be4b02498834a8e9e|last1=Shapiro|first1=Dan|date=2017-08-30|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref> [[Dan Hardy]] stated on ''Inside the Octagon'' that before the surgery Gaethje's "eyesight was so bad that he actually had to physically be in contact with his opponent to know what he was hitting."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dan Hardy: Justin Gaethje's 'eyesight was so bad' he couldn't see opponent at range|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/5/6/21248434/ufc-249-dan-hardy-justin-gaethje-eyesight-tony-ferguson-mma-news-video|last=Mahjouri|first=Shakiel|date=2020-05-06|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
+Gaethje underwent a [[photorefractive keratectomy]] in 2016 to correct his eyesight. He said, "I used to be blind. I had horrible vision. I was 20/60 in one eye and 20/200 in another eye. And I was far sighted in one eye and nearsighted in another eye."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Once 'Blind' Gaethje Enters The Ultimate Fighter 26 Coaching Gig with Clear Vision|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/once-blind-gaethje-enters-the-ultimate-fighter-26_b_59a7581be4b02498834a8e9e|last1=Shapiro|first1=Dan|date=2017-08-30|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref> [[Dan Hardy]] stated on ''Inside the Octagon'' that before the surgery Gaethje's "eyesight was so bad that he actually had to physically be in contact with his opponent to know what he was hitting."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dan Hardy: Justin Gaethje's 'eyesight was so bad' he couldn't see opponent at range|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/5/6/21248434/ufc-249-dan-hardy-justin-gaethje-eyesight-tony-ferguson-mma-news-video|last=Mahjouri|first=Shakiel|date=2020-05-06|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-10|archive-date=2020-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507063841/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/5/6/21248434/ufc-249-dan-hardy-justin-gaethje-eyesight-tony-ferguson-mma-news-video|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 Gaethje—along with UFC President [[Dana White]], fighters [[Colby Covington]] and [[Henry Cejudo]], and manager [[Ali Abdelaziz]]—attended a rally for President [[Donald Trump]] in September 2020, with the fighters being acknowledged by the President.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Donald Trump shouts out Dana White, Colby Covington and UFC fighters attending Nevada rally|language=en|work=MMA Fighting|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/9/14/21436297/donald-trump-shouts-out-dana-white-colby-covington-and-ufc-fighters-attending-nevada-rally|access-date=2020-10-16}}</ref> Gaethje praised Trump for his role in the UFC's early development, saying "He’s a reason that the UFC is here."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-05|title=Justin Gaethje addresses judging and Conor McGregor, says President Trump helped save UFC {{!}} MMAWeekly.com|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/justin-gaethje-addresses-judging-and-conor-mcgregor-says-president-trump-helped-save-ufc|access-date=2020-10-21|language=en-US}}</ref>
@@ Line 193: / Line 193: @@
 ** 2021 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Michael Chandler]]</small><ref name=brfoty>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2951695-bleacher-report-2021-mma-awards-best-fight|title=Bleacher Report 2021 MMA Awards: Best Fight|author=Tom Taylor|date=December 21, 2021|work=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref>
 * '''RealSport'''
-** 2017 UFC Debut of the Year<small> vs. [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]]</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://realsport101.com/news/sports/mma/realsport-2017-mma-awards-ufc-debut-of-the-year/|title=RealSport 2017 MMA Awards: UFC Debut of the Year – RealSport|date=2017-12-30|work=RealSport|access-date=2018-01-03}}</ref>
+** 2017 UFC Debut of the Year<small> vs. [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]]</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://realsport101.com/news/sports/mma/realsport-2017-mma-awards-ufc-debut-of-the-year/|title=RealSport 2017 MMA Awards: UFC Debut of the Year – RealSport|date=2017-12-30|work=RealSport|access-date=2018-01-03|archive-date=2018-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103193354/https://realsport101.com/news/sports/mma/realsport-2017-mma-awards-ufc-debut-of-the-year/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 * '''[[CBS Sports]]'''
 ** 2017 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]]</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/2017-ufc-fight-of-the-year-gaethje-vs-johnson-blows-away-the-competition/|title=2017 UFC Fight of the Year: Gaethje vs. Johnson blows away the competition|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=2018-01-03}}</ref>
 ** 2021 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Michael Chandler]]</small><ref name=cbsfoty>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/best-of-ufc-in-2021-justin-gaethje-vs-michael-chandler-earns-fight-of-the-year-in-all-time-battle/|title= Best of UFC in 2021: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler earns Fight of the Year in all-time battle |date=December 30, 2021|work=[[CBS Sports]]|author=Shakiel Mahjouri}}</ref>
 * '''Bloody Elbow'''
-** 2017 Best Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]]</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/1/16/16898456/bloody-elbow-2017-year-end-awards-results-johnson-gaethje-namajunas|title=Bloody Elbow 2017 Year-End Awards – Results|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2018-01-17}}</ref>
+** 2017 Best Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]]</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/1/16/16898456/bloody-elbow-2017-year-end-awards-results-johnson-gaethje-namajunas|title=Bloody Elbow 2017 Year-End Awards – Results|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2018-01-17|archive-date=2018-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140148/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/1/16/16898456/bloody-elbow-2017-year-end-awards-results-johnson-gaethje-namajunas|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 * '''Cageside Press'''
 ** 2017 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]]</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2017/12/30/2017-year-in-review-fight-of-the-year/|title=MMA 2017 Year in Review: Fight of the Year|work=Cageside Press|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref>