Justin, ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is a former interim champion and is among the top contenders in the division. Since starting his career in 2011, the former WSOF lightweight champion has a professional record of 25 wins and 5 losses, as of March 2025. He has already competed against the most dominant fighters in the promotions and is considered a formidable fighter in the division, with enough firepower to finish any opponent inside the octagon.
What nationality is Justin Gaethje?
Born in Safford, Arizona, United States, Justin Gaethje is an American citizen. His mother, Carolina, has a Mexican lineage, whereas his father, John Ray Gaethje, has a German heritage.
Justin Gaethje’s UFC stint
Justin Gaethje made his UFC debut on July 7, 2017, against Michael Johnson and won the fight via TKO in the second round. Gaethje earned both ‘Performance of the Night’ and ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses for his inception.
Following his debut win, Gaethje had two consecutive losses against Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, respectively. Even after losing, he earned a ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus for both bouts.
For his next two fights, Gaethje knocked out James Vick and Edson Barboza in August 2018 and March 2019, respectively. On September 14, 2019, Justin Gaethje TKO’d Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Gaethje in Canada.
At UFC 249, Gaethje TKO’d Tony Fergusson and won the interim UFC lightweight championship on May 9, 20, 2020. However, in Abu Dhabi, he could not unify the title against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020, and lost the fight by second-round submission while facing Nurmagomedov for a title unification opportunity.
At UFC 268, Gaethje had a unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler on November 6, 2021. At UFC 274, Justin Gaethje competed against Charles Oliveria for the UFC lightweight championship but lost the bout via a rear naked choke submission in the first round.
At UFC 286, Gaethje had a decision win over Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje won the symbolic BMF title by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023.
Also Read: Justin Gaethje's Twin Brother
*Last updated on March 2, 2025.
FAQs on Justin Gaethje Nationality
A. Born in Safford, Arizona, United States, Justin Gaethje is an American citizen.
A. ‘BMF’ is a celebratory title announced by the UFC president Dana White given to one of the most redoubtable contenders in the promotion.
A. He is 36 years old, as of March 2025.
A. He has a reach of 70 inches.
A. He weighs 155 lb.
