Justin Ray Gaethje[6] (/ˈɡeɪdʒi/; born November 14, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist.

[12][13] Gaethje's father Ray retired as a copper miner in September 2019, after 36 years working at the Morenci mine.

[22] He initially applied to a small college in Arizona as he wanted to stay close to his family, but instead accepted an offer from the NCAA Division I program at the University of Northern Colorado.

[22] As a junior, Gaethje went 5–2 at the 2010 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship to earn 7th place and All-American status.

This made him the first Northern Colorado wrestler to attain Division I All-American status since Larry Wagner in 1970.

[22] In June 2020, it was announced that Gaethje would be inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in wrestling.

[31] Gaethje first came into contact with mixed martial arts (MMA) as a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado, when he wrestled Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters such as Georges St-Pierre, Clay Guida and future opponent Donald Cerrone.

[32] After improving his grades, Gaethje made his amateur debut during the pre-season of his sophomore year (08'-09') on August 2, 2008, where he scored a slam knockout on his opponent.

[33] After amassing a 7–0 amateur record, Gaethje made his professional debut on August 20, 2011, against future UFC fighter Kevin Croom.

[34] On the regional circuit in Colorado and Arizona, Gaethje compiled an undefeated 7–0 professional record, with 6 stoppage wins.

[38] On June 14, 2013, he fought Brian Cobb at WSOF 3, eventually winning via TKO from leg kicks in the third round.

[43] On November 15, 2014, Gaethje faced UFC veteran and former training partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15.

Gaethje defended his title by stopping Palomino via TKO in the third round after a combination of leg kicks and punches.

[49] At WSOF 29 on March 12, 2016, he defended his belt against Brian Foster via TKO due to leg kicks at 1:43 of the first round.

[50][51][52] Three days later, Gaethje was suspended indefinitely by the Colorado State Athletic Commission for "unsportsmanlike conduct" after he performed his signature celebration, a backflip off the top of the cage, in the aftermath of his victory at WSOF 29.

[59] Gaethje won the bout by TKO via doctor stoppage due to Firmino's right eye being swollen after round three.

[61] It was announced on May 12 that he would make his debut against the veteran Michael Johnson on July 7, at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale.

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

Honestly, being in front of that many people, being able to put my skills on the line at the highest level on a pay-per-view, all of those things, it was a dream come true for me.

"[15] Gaethje lost a back-and-forth fight via TKO in the fourth round to Dustin Poirier on April 14, 2018, at UFC on Fox 29.

[74] It was revealed after the fight that Gaethje's leg kicks had caused a partial tear of Poirier's quadriceps femoris muscle.

[86] However, on April 9, UFC president Dana White announced that this event had been postponed,[87] and the bout instead took place for May 9, 2020.

[91] This made Gaethje the only fighter in UFC history to win at least one fight night bonus in each of his first seven appearances.

[95] Despite tapping, referee Jason Herzog did not stop the bout before Gaethje lost consciousness due to the choke.

[97] After a back-and-forth fight, Gaethje won the bout via unanimous decision despite knocking Chandler down and nearly finishing him in the second round.

[99] The bout was named Fight of the Year by various mixed martial arts media outlets and the UFC itself.

[114] Gaethje took on Dustin Poirier in a rematch of their 2018 bout, for the symbolic "BMF" ("baddest motherfucker") belt on July 29, 2023, at UFC 291.

"[122] In a 2020 ESPN interview, Gaethje stated he realized after transitioning from wrestling to mixed martial arts that, while winning was still important, entertaining the fans could earn him more money.

Although he is still a pressure fighter, Wittman said that Gaethje now takes fewer risks and is more selective about when to trade punches.

"[125] Dan Hardy stated on Inside the Octagon that before the surgery Gaethje's "eyesight was so bad that he actually had to physically be in contact with his opponent to know what he was hitting.