Career Timeline of Justin Gaethje: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Justin Gaethje, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Justin Gaethje is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Lightweight division. A pro since 2011, he's a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion and UFC BMF Champion, securing the BMF title at UFC 291. As of April 2024, he's ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight division. Known for his exciting fighting style, Gaethje has established himself as a top contender in the lightweight division.
1970: Last All-American Status
In 1970, Larry Wagner was the last Northern Colorado wrestler to attain Division I All-American status before Gaethje in 2010.
August 2, 2008: Amateur Debut
On August 2, 2008, Gaethje made his amateur MMA debut during the pre-season of his sophomore year, winning by slam knockout.
2009: NCAA Division I Championship Qualification
In 2009, during his sophomore season, Gaethje qualified for the NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship, finishing the season with a 14–4 record.
2010: All-American Status
In 2010, Gaethje earned 7th place and All-American status at the NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship, making him the first Northern Colorado wrestler to attain Division I All-American status since 1970.
August 20, 2011: Professional Debut
On August 20, 2011, Justin Gaethje made his professional MMA debut and won the fight in the first round via KO due to a slam against Kevin Croom.
2011: Professional Debut
In 2011, Justin Gaethje began his professional mixed martial arts career.
2011: NCAA Division I Championship
In 2011, during his senior year, Gaethje qualified for the NCAA Division I 149 lb Championship, ending the season with a 17–8 record.
December 2, 2012: WSOF Signing
On December 2, 2012, Justin Gaethje signed with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF).
March 23, 2013: WSOF Debut
On March 23, 2013, Justin Gaethje made his WSOF debut at WSOF 2 against Gesias Cavalcante, winning via TKO in the first round due to a doctor stoppage.
June 14, 2013: WSOF 3 Victory
On June 14, 2013, Justin Gaethje fought Brian Cobb at WSOF 3 and won via TKO from leg kicks in the third round.
October 26, 2013: WSOF 6 Victory
On October 26, 2013, Justin Gaethje fought Dan Lauzon at WSOF 6, winning by knockout with a right uppercut in the second round.
January 18, 2014: WSOF Lightweight Champion
On January 18, 2014, Justin Gaethje became the first WSOF Lightweight Champion by defeating Richard Patishnock via TKO in the first round at WSOF 8.
July 5, 2014: First Title Defense
On July 5, 2014, Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF Lightweight Championship at WSOF 11 against Nick Newell, winning by TKO in the second round.
November 15, 2014: WSOF 15 Victory
On November 15, 2014, Justin Gaethje faced Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15 in a non-title fight due to Guillard missing weight, and Gaethje won via split decision.
March 28, 2015: Title Defense at WSOF 19
On March 28, 2015, Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF Lightweight title at WSOF 19 by defeating Luis Palomino via TKO in the third round.
September 18, 2015: Second Fight Against Palomino
On September 18, 2015, Justin Gaethje defended his belt against Luis Palomino in a rematch at WSOF 23, winning by TKO in the second round.
March 12, 2016: WSOF 29 Win
On March 12, 2016, Justin Gaethje defended his belt against Brian Foster at WSOF 29, winning via TKO. He was then briefly suspended for "unsportsmanlike conduct" after his signature celebration.
October 7, 2016: Cancelled Fight
On October 7, 2016, Justin Gaethje was scheduled to defend his WSOF Lightweight Championship against Ozzy Dugulubgov at WSOF 33; however, the bout was cancelled the day of the event due to Dugulubgov's illness.
October 17, 2016: WSOF 34 Announcement
On October 17, 2016, it was announced that Justin Gaethje would defend the WSOF Lightweight Championship against João Zeferino on December 31, 2016, at WSOF 34.
December 31, 2016: WSOF 34 Win
On December 31, 2016, Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF Lightweight Championship against Luiz Firmino at WSOF 34, winning by TKO via doctor stoppage.
May 4, 2017: Vacated WSOF Title and Signed with UFC
On May 4, 2017, Justin Gaethje announced he had vacated his WSOF title and signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
July 13, 2017: Ultimate Fighter Coach
On July 13, 2017, the UFC announced Justin Gaethje would coach The Ultimate Fighter 26 alongside Eddie Alvarez.
December 2, 2017: First MMA Career Loss
On December 2, 2017, Justin Gaethje fought Eddie Alvarez at UFC 218 and lost by KO in the third round, marking the first loss of his MMA career. The fight also earned him his second consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award.
April 14, 2018: Fight Against Dustin Poirier
On April 14, 2018, Justin Gaethje lost to Dustin Poirier via TKO in the fourth round at UFC on Fox 29. The fight earned Gaethje his third consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award.
June 28, 2018: Iaquinta Withdraws
On June 28, 2018, Al Iaquinta withdrew from the bout against Gaethje, scheduled for August 25, 2018.
August 25, 2018: Victory Against Vick
On August 25, 2018, Justin Gaethje fought James Vick at UFC Fight Night 135, winning by knockout in the first round. He was awarded a Performance of Night award.
2018: Previous Bout with Poirier
In 2018, Justin Gaethje had a previous bout with Dustin Poirier.
2018: Gaethje Discusses Reluctance to Use Wrestling
In 2018, after his loss to Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje explained his reluctance to use his wrestling skills in MMA fights, stating that he prefers to focus on stand-up fighting to entertain and avoid getting tired from wrestling.
March 30, 2019: Victory Against Edson Barboza
On March 30, 2019, Justin Gaethje fought Edson Barboza at UFC on ESPN 2 and won via knockout in the first round, earning the Fight of the Night award.
September 14, 2019: Victory Against Donald Cerrone
On September 14, 2019, Justin Gaethje fought Donald Cerrone at UFC on ESPN+ 16 and won via TKO in the first round, earning his third Performance of the Night bonus award.
May 9, 2020: Interim UFC Lightweight Champion
On May 9, 2020, Justin Gaethje defeated Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 via TKO in the fifth round to become the interim UFC Lightweight Champion, earning the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.
June 2020: Hall of Fame Induction
In June 2020, it was announced that Gaethje would be inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame for his wrestling achievements.
October 24, 2020: UFC Lightweight Championship
On October 24, 2020, Justin Gaethje fought Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 for the UFC Lightweight Championship and lost via technical submission due to triangle choke in the second round.
2020: Gaethje Prioritizes Entertainment and Championship Goals
In 2020, Justin Gaethje stated in an ESPN interview that he recognized the importance of entertaining fans for financial gain in MMA. Also in 2020, his coach Trevor Wittman, noted that losses to Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier prompted Gaethje to shift his focus from being merely exciting to becoming a UFC champion.
November 6, 2021: Victory Against Michael Chandler
On November 6, 2021, Justin Gaethje fought Michael Chandler at UFC 268 and won via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night award.
May 7, 2022: Fight against Charles Oliveira
On May 7, 2022, Justin Gaethje faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship and lost via rear-naked choke submission in round one.
March 18, 2023: Victory Against Rafael Fiziev
On March 18, 2023, Justin Gaethje fought Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 and won via majority decision, earning the Fight of the Night bonus award.
July 29, 2023: BMF Champion
On July 29, 2023, Justin Gaethje fought Dustin Poirier in a rematch at UFC 291 for the "BMF" belt and won via head kick knockout in round two, earning his fifth Performance of the Night bonus award and the BMF Title.
April 13, 2024: Lost BMF Championship at UFC 300
On April 13, 2024, Justin Gaethje faced Max Holloway at UFC 300 and lost his BMF championship by knockout in the fifth round. Despite the loss, Gaethje earned a $300,000 fight of the night bonus.
April 16, 2024: UFC Lightweight Ranking
On April 16, 2024, Justin Gaethje was ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
March 8, 2025: Scheduled Fight Against Dan Hooker
On March 8, 2025, Justin Gaethje is scheduled to face Dan Hooker at UFC 313.
