Justin Gaethje is a American professional MMA (Mixed Martial Artist) fighter. He is currently a competitor in the Lightweight (UFC) category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was once an interim UFC lightweight champion and is poised to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 274.
Early life
Justin Gaethje was born on November 14, 1988. His birthplace is in Safford, Arizona. His mother, Carolina, is of Mexican descent from Sonora, Mexico and his father, John Ray Gaethje, is German. Both of his grandfathers worked as copper miners while his mother worked as a postmaster. Justin received his high school education from Safford High School and later went to the University of Northern Colorado for further education. During his school days he was a wrestler and took part in various tournaments.
Justin Gaethje career
Justin started wrestling at the age of four. He was selected to the Western Wrestling All-Conference First Team after ending the season with a 14-4 record. Gaethje signed with the World Series of Fighting on December 2, 2012 and made his debut against Gesias Cavalcante at WSOF 2 on March 23, 2013, winning by TKO in the first round via a cut above Cavalcante’s left eye shortly after the opening. He stated on May 4, 2017 that he had relinquished his WSOF championship and signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Gaethje used a combination of punches and knees to win the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the second round. On April 6, it was announced that Gaethje would be filling in for Tony Ferguson in the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on April 18 at UFC 249.
Rise to Fame
However, UFC President Dana White confirmed on April 9 that the event had been postponed and the fight would now take place on May 9, 2020. Gaethje controlled the fight and stopped Ferguson via TKO in the fifth round to stop Ferguson’s 12-fight win streak. He also continued his bonus award streak, winning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night.
“I’ve wrestled my whole life,” Gaethje said after his loss to Poirier in 2018 when asked why he didn’t use his wrestling in combat. I think I overestimated myself with the idea that this isn’t wrestling. I’d rather be exhausted from fighting than wrestling when I get tired. That’s why I’ve always avoided wrestling. But I did so much cardio at this camp that turning it into a wrestling match wouldn’t have been a problem for me, but I just can’t. On May 7, 2022, he would compete with Charles to defend his second title in the UFC 274 main event.
Justin Gaethje Social media
Justin is now active on Instagram where he has 1.7 million followers and 1,444 followers with 679 posts under the id @justin_gaethje. As of March 2011, he has been active on Twitter under the alias @Justin Gaethje, where he has 549.8K followers and 866 followers.
Justin Gaethje Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Justin Ray Gaethje |
| Date of birth | Nov. 14, 1988 |
| Age (as of 2022) | 33 years |
| Place of birth | Safford, Arizona, USA |
| nationality | American |
| profession | Mixed martial artists |
| religion | Christianity |
| sun sign | Scorpio |
Physical Statistics | |
| Height | in feet inches – 5′ 11” – in centimeters – 180 cm |
| Weight | in kilograms – 70kg – in pounds – 155 pounds |
| shoe size | 12 (USA) |
| hair colour | Brown |
| eye color | Blue |
| body type | Athletic |
Justin Gaethje Family | |
| Father | John Ray Gaethje |
| mother | Carolina Gaethje |
| sister | Two |
| Brothers | Marcus Gaethje |
Qualification/Education | |
| school | Safford High School |
| University | University of Northern Colorado |
Relationship status | |
| Marital status | single |
| affair | no |
| Who is Justin Gaethje’s girlfriend? | none |
Personal life
Justin Gaethje has kept his private life a well-kept secret. He prefers to be alone and also does not want any obstacles to achieve his goals. He is totally focused on his future fights and has been training a lot lately to be at his best in the ring.
Justin Gaethje Net Worth
Justin Gaehtje is worth a total of $4 million. He earns this amount solely through his dedication, talent and hard work. He spends his time learning new skills and honing his existing ones to make him unbeatable in the ring.
Facts About Justin Gaethje
- Justin Gethje is the current UFC Lightweight Champion as of December 13, 2021.
- On June 14, 2013 at WSOF 3, Justin Gaethje fought Brian Cobb and won by TKO in the third round via leg kicks.