History of Justin Gaethje in Timeline

Justin Gaethje is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Lightweight division. Active since 2011, he is a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion and BMF Champion, securing the latter title at UFC 291. He is currently ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings as of April 16, 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1970: Larry Wagner's All-American Status

In 1970, Larry Wagner earned Division I All-American status as a wrestler, a feat that wouldn't be repeated by another Northern Colorado wrestler until Justin Gaethje in 2010.

November 14, 1988: Justin Gaethje's Birth

On November 14, 1988, Justin Ray Gaethje was born. He is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Others born on this day/year

August 2, 2008: Amateur MMA Debut

On August 2, 2008, Justin Gaethje made his amateur MMA debut during the pre-season of his sophomore year, scoring a slam knockout on his opponent.

2009: NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship

In 2009, during his sophomore season, Justin Gaethje qualified for the NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship, posting a 0–2 record. He ended the season with a 14–4 record and was named to the Western Wrestling All-Conference First Team.

2010: NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship

In 2010, Justin Gaethje went 5–2 at the NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship, earning 7th place and All-American status, becoming the first Northern Colorado wrestler to achieve this since 1970.

August 20, 2011: Professional MMA Debut

On August 20, 2011, Justin Gaethje made his professional debut against Kevin Croom, winning by KO in the first round due to a slam after Croom attempted a submission.

2011: Gaethje becomes professional MMA fighter

In 2011 Justin Gaethje becomes a professional mixed martial artist.

2011: NCAA Division I 149 lb Championship

In 2011, during his senior year, Justin Gaethje competed in the NCAA Division I 149 lb Championship, posting a 1–2 record to end the season with a 17–8 record.

December 2, 2012: Signing with WSOF

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 the fight in the first round through TKO (doctor stoppage) after opening a cut above Cavalcante's left eye.

June 14, 2013: Victory at WSOF 3

On June 14, 2013, Justin Gaethje fought Brian Cobb at WSOF 3, winning via TKO from leg kicks in the third round.

October 26, 2013: Victory at WSOF 6

On October 26, 2013, Justin Gaethje fought Dan Lauzon at WSOF 6, finishing Lauzon by knockout with a right uppercut in the second round.

January 18, 2014: WSOF Lightweight Championship Win

On January 18, 2014, Justin Gaethje defeated Richard Patishnock in the first round via TKO at WSOF 8 to become the first WSOF Lightweight Champion.

July 5, 2014: First Title Defense

On July 5, 2014, Justin Gaethje had his first title defense at WSOF 11 against Nick Newell. He won the fight with a right hook TKO in the second round.

November 15, 2014: Fight Against Melvin Guillard

On November 15, 2014, Justin Gaethje fought Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15 in a non-title contest after Guillard missed weight. Gaethje won the bout via split decision.

March 28, 2015: Title Defense Against Luis Palomino

On March 28, 2015, Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF Lightweight title against Luis Palomino at WSOF 19, winning by TKO in the third round. The Los Angeles Times named this fight as the best fight of 2015.

September 18, 2015: Rematch Against Palomino

On September 18, 2015, Justin Gaethje defended his belt against Luis Palomino for a rematch at WSOF 23, finishing Palomino in the second round by TKO.

March 12, 2016: WSOF 29 and Suspension

On March 12, 2016, Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF Lightweight Championship against Brian Foster at WSOF 29, winning by TKO. He was then suspended indefinitely by the Colorado State Athletic Commission for "unsportsmanlike conduct" after performing a backflip off the cage.

October 7, 2016: Cancelled Fight at WSOF 33

On October 7, 2016, Justin Gaethje's scheduled defense of the WSOF Lightweight Championship against Ozzy Dugulubgov at WSOF 33 was cancelled due to Dugulubgov falling ill.

October 17, 2016: Zeferino Fight Announcement

On October 17, 2016, it was announced that Justin Gaethje would defend the WSOF Lightweight Championship against João Zeferino at WSOF 34.

2016: Underwent photorefractive keratectomy

In 2016, Justin Gaethje underwent a photorefractive keratectomy to correct his eyesight, which was previously very poor. Dan Hardy noted that before the surgery, Gaethje's vision was so bad that he had to be in physical contact with his opponent to know what he was hitting.

December 31, 2016: Victory at WSOF 34

On December 31, 2016, Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF Lightweight Championship against Luiz Firmino at WSOF 34, winning by TKO via doctor stoppage due to Firmino's eye swelling after round three.

May 4, 2017: Vacating WSOF Title and Signing 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: Coaching The Ultimate Fighter 26

On July 13, 2017, the UFC announced that Justin Gaethje would coach The Ultimate Fighter 26 along with Eddie Alvarez, with the duo expected to face each other at the end of the season.

December 2, 2017: Loss to Eddie Alvarez

On December 2, 2017, Justin Gaethje fought Eddie Alvarez at UFC 218, losing by KO in the third round, marking the first loss of his MMA career. The fight earned him a Fight of the Night bonus award.

April 14, 2018: Loss to 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 his scheduled fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC Fight Night 135.

August 25, 2018: Victory Over James Vick

On August 25, 2018, Justin Gaethje fought James Vick at UFC Fight Night 135, winning by knockout in the first round and earning a Performance of Night award.

2018: Fight against Dustin Poirier

In 2018 Justin Gaethje fought against Dustin Poirier.

2018: Gaethje's loss to Poirier

In 2018, following his loss to Dustin Poirier, Gaethje explained his reluctance to use wrestling in his fights, despite his background and the potential strategic advantage.

March 30, 2019: Victory Over Edson Barboza

On March 30, 2019, Justin Gaethje faced Edson Barboza at UFC on ESPN 2, winning the fight via knockout in the first round and earning the Fight of the Night award.

September 14, 2019: Victory Over Donald Cerrone

On September 14, 2019, Justin Gaethje faced Donald Cerrone at UFC on ESPN+ 16, winning the fight via TKO in the first round and earning his third Performance of the Night bonus award.

September 2019: Father's Retirement

In September 2019, Justin Gaethje's father, Ray, retired as a copper miner after 36 years at the Morenci mine.

May 9, 2020: Interim UFC Lightweight Championship Victory

On May 9, 2020, Justin Gaethje faced Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 249, winning the fight by TKO in the fifth round and ending Ferguson's 12-fight win streak. He also earned the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.

June 2020: Hall of Fame Induction

In June 2020, Justin Gaethje was inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame for his wrestling achievements.

September 2020: Attended rally for President Donald Trump

In September 2020, Justin Gaethje attended a rally for President Donald Trump, along with other UFC figures. Gaethje praised Trump for his role in the UFC's early development.

October 24, 2020: UFC Lightweight Championship Unification Bout

On October 24, 2020, Justin Gaethje fought Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in a unification bout for the UFC Lightweight Championship. He lost the fight via technical submission due to a triangle choke in the second round, marking the first submission loss in his MMA career.

2020: Gaethje's mining experience

In 2020, Justin Gaethje recalled his summer working at the Morenci mine when he was 18 and how his coworkers didn't think he'd make it through college which motivated him.

2020: ESPN Interview

In 2020, during an ESPN interview, Gaethje discussed the importance of entertaining fans for financial gain and how back-to-back losses against Alvarez and Poirier caused him to change his mentality from being the most exciting fighter to wanting to be a UFC champion.

November 6, 2021: Victory Over Michael Chandler

On November 6, 2021, Justin Gaethje faced Michael Chandler at UFC 268, winning the bout via unanimous decision after a back-and-forth fight. This bout earned the Fight of the Night award and was named Fight of the Year by various MMA media outlets and the UFC itself.

May 7, 2022: UFC Lightweight Championship Fight

On May 7, 2022, Justin Gaethje faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Gaethje lost the fight via rear–naked choke submission in round one.

March 18, 2023: Fight against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286

On March 18, 2023, Justin Gaethje fought Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286. Gaethje won the fight by majority decision and earned the Fight of the Night bonus award.

July 29, 2023: Fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 for the BMF belt

On July 29, 2023, Gaethje faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in a rematch for the "BMF" belt. Gaethje won by a head kick knockout, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus award.

April 13, 2024: Fight against Max Holloway at UFC 300

On April 13, 2024, Justin Gaethje fought Max Holloway at UFC 300 and lost the BMF championship by knockout. Despite the loss, Gaethje received a $300,000 fight of the night bonus.

April 16, 2024: UFC Lightweight Rankings

As of April 16, 2024, Justin Gaethje is ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

March 8, 2025: Fight against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313

On March 8, 2025, Justin Gaethje was scheduled to face Dan Hooker at UFC 313, but Hooker withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje defeated Fiziev by unanimous decision and earned a Fight of the Night award.