Justin Gaethje currently competes in the lightweight division of the UFC. He is the former UFC Interim lightweight champion and current UFC BMF champion. “The Highlight” enters the octagon to break the will of his opponent on his way to victory and this is the reason why his fights are an entertaining sight to watch. On many occasions, he has also shown that he is willing to do battle with even the most fearsome fighters.
He had weak eyesight
Eyes are one of the most important things for everyone and in MMA, it is essential to be able to see and react to attacks or takedowns coming your way. Unfortunately, early in his career, Justin was unable to do so. Justin suffered from very bad vision early in his career. There were jokes about him not being able to see what he was hitting until he physically came into contact with the fighters. In 2016, he underwent a procedure to improve his vision.
Incredible run in WSOF
Gaethje had a great run on the regional circuit and then he was selected for the World Series of Fighting in 2012 and promptly won his first three fights before being granted a title bout. He went on to win the title and defend it several times. He left the WSOF still holding the lightweight belt and was undefeated in his professional career up to that point.
UFC Debut
Gaethje made his UFC debut in 2017 after defeating Michael Johnson in the Ultimate Fighter. He faced Michael in an all-out battle, with both fighters having a bad war with each other in the lead-up. After rocking Johnson several times and stunning him several times, Gaethje won by knee knockout in the second round. “The Highlight” lost his next two UFC bouts to Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier.
University years
Justin studied at the University of North Colorado, where he wrestled in Division 1. He was also able to qualify for the NCAA Division 1 Championship in both his junior and senior years of college. Justin was later inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in his wrestling career. He was the first All-American wrestler there since 1970.
He wanted to be a social worker
Justin obtained a degree in human services and has indicated that if he were not into fighting sports, he would have wanted to become a social worker. Justin has an interesting duality between being one of the most dangerous fighters and also being a genuinely caring person. He once said that, after retiring from MMA, he would like to work with at-risk youth.
Made a great comeback
Gaethje lost two bouts at the very beginning of his UFC career and he was under a lot of pressure on his way out of the promotion if he lost any more. In his third UFC bout, Justin faced James Vick and knocked him out in the first round. He then went on to defeat anyone who got in his way, including veterans like Donald Cerrone. He also ended Tony Ferguson’s incredible 12-fight win streak by knocking him out and winning the UFC interim light heavyweight championship.
Facing the Eagle for the title
In late 2020, Gaethje was given a title shot against then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He lost a close bout with the undefeated fighter via triangle choke on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. This was the last fight of Khabib’s career in the UFC and he retired from MMA after defeating Justin. The Highlight said he will be back in the Octagon soon after the fight didn’t hurt him too much.
Battle with Chandler
He was up against Michael Chandler, who was the fight-of-the-year candidate. Both fighters gave their best in what was one of the toughest fights in UFC history. Gaethje and Chandler exchanged hard leg kicks. Justin was shaken in the first round but then recovered and won the next two rounds decisively over Chandler by unanimous decision.
Second title shot
Justin got another title shot in 2022 against Charles Oliveira. After winning against Chandler, he said that if he didn’t get the next shot at the title, the fans would riot. Many expected him to win the title again, but within the first round, Oliveira defeated him via submission and successfully defended his title. Since then, Gaethje has fought bouts against Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier and won both of them.
Trains with the best
Justin trains under one of the best and most respected trainers in the MMA world, Trevor Wittman. He is on the UFC broadcast team as well and gives an insightful look at coaching a fighter. Apart from Gaethje, Wittman has trained several notable names, including Kamaru Usman, Stipe Miocic and former Strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
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