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Justin Gaethje is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was born on November 14, 1988, in Safford, Arizona, USA.
Gaethje began his wrestling career in high school, where he won the Arizona state championship. He went on to wrestle at the University of Northern Colorado, where he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American.
After his college wrestling career, Gaethje began training in mixed martial arts and made his professional debut in 2011. He quickly gained a reputation as a hard-hitting striker and an aggressive fighter who always pushed the pace.
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Gaethje made his UFC debut in 2017 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. He won his first two fights by knockout before suffering his first career loss to former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in a Fight of the Year candidate.
Despite the loss, Gaethje bounced back with three consecutive knockout wins over James Vick, Edson Barboza, and Donald Cerrone, earning him a shot at the UFC lightweight title. He faced Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 254 in October 2020, but was defeated via submission in the second round.
Throughout his career, Gaethje has earned numerous accolades and awards, including two Performance of the Night bonuses and four Fight of the Night bonuses. He has a professional record of 22 wins and 4 losses, with 19 of his victories coming by way of knockout.
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Off the mat, Gaethje has been involved in several charitable causes, including the Justin Gaethje Foundation, which provides scholarships and financial assistance to wrestlers in his home state of Arizona. He has also spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and has advocated for increased mental health support for athletes.
Gaethje Awards
Here are some of the awards and honors that Justin Gaethje has received throughout his MMA career:
- World Series of Fighting (WSOF) Lightweight Championship (1 time)
- Fight of the Year (2017 vs. Michael Johnson)
- Performance of the Night (5 times)
- Fight of the Night (4 times)
- Knockout of the Year (2017 vs. Michael Johnson) – awarded by MMA Junkie and ESPN
- ESPN Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (2017)
- MMA Junkie Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (2017)
- MMA Junkie Fight of the Year (2020 vs. Tony Ferguson)
Gaethje has also been recognized for his wrestling accomplishments, including being a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and winning the Arizona state wrestling championship in high school.
Facts About Gaethje
Here are some interesting facts about Justin Gaethje:
- Gaethje’s fighting style is known for being aggressive and high-paced, earning him the nickname “The Highlight.”
- He was a high school wrestler and a two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler in college.
- Gaethje was undefeated in his professional MMA career before his first UFC loss to Eddie Alvarez.
- He has a professional record of 22 wins and 4 losses, with 19 of his victories coming by way of knockout.
- Gaethje is known for his durability and ability to take a lot of damage in his fights.
- He has won several Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards during his UFC career.
- Gaethje has been open about his struggles with mental health and has advocated for increased mental health support for athletes.
- He founded the Justin Gaethje Foundation, which provides scholarships and financial assistance to wrestlers in his home state of Arizona.
- Gaethje is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.
- He is a fan of the Denver Broncos and often wears their colors in his fights.
Gaethje Net-worth
Justin Gaethje’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million USD, as of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021. His earnings primarily come from his UFC fights, where he has earned several bonuses and performance-based incentives. In addition to his fighting career, Gaethje has also earned money through sponsorships and endorsement deals with companies such as Reebok, BodyArmor, and Manscaped.
Gaethje Achievement and impacts
Justin Gaethje’s achievements and impacts are significant in the world of mixed martial arts. Here are some of his notable accomplishments and contributions:
- UFC Career: Gaethje has had a successful career in the UFC, where he has fought some of the biggest names in the lightweight division. He has won several Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards, and his exciting fighting style has earned him a large fan base.
- Wrestling Background: Gaethje’s background in wrestling has contributed to his success in MMA, as he has a strong grappling game and is able to dictate where the fight takes place. He has used his wrestling skills to defend against takedowns and control his opponents on the ground.
- Charitable Work: Gaethje has used his platform as a professional fighter to give back to his community. He founded the Justin Gaethje Foundation, which provides financial assistance and scholarships to young wrestlers in his home state of Arizona.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Gaethje has been open about his struggles with mental health and has advocated for increased support and resources for athletes dealing with mental health issues. He has spoken publicly about his own experiences with depression and anxiety, and has encouraged others to seek help and support when needed.
- Fighting Style: Gaethje’s aggressive and high-paced fighting style has made him one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. He is known for his durability and ability to take a lot of damage, which has contributed to some of his most memorable fights.
Overall, Justin Gaethje has had a significant impact on the sport of MMA, both through his achievements in the octagon and his contributions to his community and mental health advocacy.
Gaethje contribution to humanity
While Justin Gaethje is primarily known for his achievements in the sport of mixed martial arts, he has also made contributions to humanity through his charitable work and advocacy for mental health.
Through the Justin Gaethje Foundation, he has provided financial assistance and scholarships to young wrestlers in his home state of Arizona, helping to support and encourage the next generation of athletes. This work has helped to make a positive impact on the lives of those who may not have had the resources or opportunities to pursue their athletic dreams.
In addition, Gaethje’s advocacy for mental health has helped to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. By speaking openly about his own struggles with depression and anxiety, he has helped to create a more accepting and supportive environment for athletes and individuals who may be dealing with similar issues. This work has the potential to improve the lives of many people, both within and outside of the world of sports.
While Gaethje’s contributions to humanity may not be as well-known as his achievements in the octagon, they demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact on the world around him.