Justin Gaethje, UFC lightweight fighter
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"The Highlight"

JUSTIN
GAETHJE

USA flagLightweight UFC Elevation Fight Team
28
Wins
5
Losses
0
Draws
22
Finishes
3
Win Streak
75.49
FS Score
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Overview

Justin Gaethje is a UFC fighter with a record of 28-5-0. (Data from UFC.com; combat ratings are editorial estimates.)

Attributes (editorial ratings)

Power
85
Speed
90
Defense
80
Durability
69
Fight IQ
77

Tale of the Tape

Age
37
Height
5'11" · 71 in · 180 cm
Reach
70 in · 178 cm
Stance
Orthodox
Division
Lightweight · ≤ 155 lb / 70.3 kg
Hometown
Tucson, United States
Country
USA

Recent Form

W W W L W

Fight History

Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria via TKO (corner stoppage) in round 4 (5:00) at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026, taking his record to 28–5.

ResultWin MethodTKO (corner stoppage) Round4 · 5:00 EventUFC Freedom 250 DateJun 14, 2026 Record after28–5
Watch on YouTube Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje 🏆 | Full Fight Marathon — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett via Decision (unanimous) in round 5 (5:00) at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, taking his record to 27–5.

ResultWin MethodDecision (unanimous) Round5 · 5:00 EventUFC 324 DateJan 24, 2026 Record after27–5
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett | FULL FIGHT | UFC Freedom 250 — UFC and 2 more
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev via Decision (unanimous) in round 3 (5:00) at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, taking his record to 26–5.

ResultWin MethodDecision (unanimous) Round3 · 5:00 EventUFC 313 DateMar 8, 2025 Record after26–5
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev | FULL FIGHT — UFC Eurasia
Fight Summary

Gaethje lost to Max Holloway via KO (punch) in round 5 (4:59) at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, taking his record to 25–5.

ResultLoss MethodKO (punch) Round5 · 4:59 EventUFC 300 DateApr 13, 2024 Record after25–5
Watch on YouTube UFC FULL FIGHT: Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje [UFC 300 – April 13, 2024] | ESPN MMA — ESPN MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Dustin Poirier via KO (head kick) in round 2 (1:00) at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023, taking his record to 25–4.

ResultWin MethodKO (head kick) Round2 · 1:00 EventUFC 291 DateJul 29, 2023 Record after25–4
Watch on YouTube Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje 1 | FULL FIGHT — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev via Decision (majority) in round 3 (5:00) at UFC 286 on March 18, 2023, taking his record to 24–4.

ResultWin MethodDecision (majority) Round3 · 5:00 EventUFC 286 DateMar 18, 2023 Record after24–4
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 1 FULL FIGHT [UFC 286 – March 18, 2023] | ESPN MMA — ESPN MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje lost to Charles Oliveira via Submission (rear-naked choke) in round 1 (3:22) at UFC 274 on May 7, 2022, taking his record to 23–4.

ResultLoss MethodSubmission (rear-naked choke) Round1 · 3:22 EventUFC 274 DateMay 7, 2022 Record after23–4
Watch on YouTube Charles Oliveira vs Justin Gaethje UFC 280 - Full Fight. — GODSEYE
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Michael Chandler via Decision (unanimous) in round 3 (5:00) at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021, taking his record to 23–3.

ResultWin MethodDecision (unanimous) Round3 · 5:00 EventUFC 268 DateNov 6, 2021 Record after23–3
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler | FULL FIGHT | UFC 268 — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov via Technical Submission (triangle choke) in round 2 (1:34) at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020, taking his record to 22–3.

ResultLoss MethodTechnical Submission (triangle choke) Round2 · 1:34 EventUFC 254 DateOct 24, 2020 Record after22–3
Watch on YouTube Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje | FULL FIGHT — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Tony Ferguson via TKO (punch) in round 5 (3:39) at UFC 249 on May 9, 2020, taking his record to 22–2.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punch) Round5 · 3:39 EventUFC 249 DateMay 9, 2020 Record after22–2
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Tony Ferguson | FULL FIGHT — UFC Eurasia
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Donald Cerrone via TKO (punches) in round 1 (4:18) at UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje on September 14, 2019, taking his record to 21–2.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches) Round1 · 4:18 EventUFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Gaethje DateSep 14, 2019 Record after21–2
Watch on YouTube Cerrone vs. Gaethje: full fight — Ethan
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Edson Barboza via KO (punch) in round 1 (2:30) at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje on March 30, 2019, taking his record to 20–2.

ResultWin MethodKO (punch) Round1 · 2:30 EventUFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje DateMar 30, 2019 Record after20–2
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Edson Barboza Full Fight HD — Negus
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated James Vick via KO (punches) in round 1 (1:27) at UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick on August 25, 2018, taking his record to 19–2.

ResultWin MethodKO (punches) Round1 · 1:27 EventUFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick DateAug 25, 2018 Record after19–2
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje Breaks Down First Round KO of James Vick at UFC Lincoln — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje lost to Dustin Poirier via TKO (punches) in round 4 (0:33) at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje on April 14, 2018, taking his record to 18–2.

ResultLoss MethodTKO (punches) Round4 · 0:33 EventUFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje DateApr 14, 2018 Record after18–2
Watch on YouTube Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje HD Highlights — UFC Россия
Fight Summary

Gaethje lost to Eddie Alvarez via KO (knee) in round 3 (3:59) at UFC 218 on December 2, 2017, taking his record to 18–1.

ResultLoss MethodKO (knee) Round3 · 3:59 EventUFC 218 DateDec 2, 2017 Record after18–1
Watch on YouTube Eddie Alvarez vs Justin Gaethje | FULL FIGHT | UFC Classics — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Michael Johnson via TKO (punches and knees) in round 2 (4:48) at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale on July 7, 2017, taking his record to 18–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches and knees) Round2 · 4:48 EventThe Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale DateJul 7, 2017 Record after18–0
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Michael Johnson | UFC Fights We Are Thankful For - Day 3 — UFC
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Luiz Firmino via TKO (doctor stoppage) in round 3 (5:00) at WSOF 34 on December 31, 2016, taking his record to 17–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (doctor stoppage) Round3 · 5:00 EventWSOF 34 DateDec 31, 2016 Record after17–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs. Luiz Firmino (Lightweight Title Bout) | WSOF 34, 2016 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Brian Foster via TKO (leg kicks) in round 1 (1:43) at WSOF 29 on March 12, 2016, taking his record to 16–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (leg kicks) Round1 · 1:43 EventWSOF 29 DateMar 12, 2016 Record after16–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Brian Foster (Lightweight Title Bout) | WSOF 29, 2016 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Luis Palomino via TKO (punches) in round 2 (4:30) at WSOF 23 on September 18, 2015, taking his record to 15–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches) Round2 · 4:30 EventWSOF 23 DateSep 18, 2015 Record after15–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Luis Palomino 2 (Lightweight Title Match) | WSOF 23, 2015 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Luis Palomino via TKO (leg kicks and punches) in round 3 (3:57) at WSOF 19 on March 28, 2015, taking his record to 14–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (leg kicks and punches) Round3 · 3:57 EventWSOF 19 DateMar 28, 2015 Record after14–0
Watch on YouTube [HD] Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Luis Palomino 1 (Lightweight Title Bout) | WSOF 19, 2015 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Melvin Guillard via Decision (split) in round 3 (5:00) at WSOF 15 on November 15, 2014, taking his record to 13–0.

ResultWin MethodDecision (split) Round3 · 5:00 EventWSOF 15 DateNov 15, 2014 Record after13–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Melvin Guillard | WSOF 15, 2014 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Nick Newell via TKO (punches) in round 2 (3:09) at WSOF 11 on July 5, 2014, taking his record to 12–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches) Round2 · 3:09 EventWSOF 11 DateJul 5, 2014 Record after12–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Nick Newell (Lightweight Title Bout) | WSOF 11, 2014 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Richard Patishnock via TKO (punches and elbows) in round 1 (1:09) at WSOF 8 on January 18, 2014, taking his record to 11–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches and elbows) Round1 · 1:09 EventWSOF 8 DateJan 18, 2014 Record after11–0
Watch on YouTube [HD] Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Richard Patishnock (Lightweight Title Bout) | WSOF 8, 2014 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Dan Lauzon via KO (punches) in round 2 (1:40) at WSOF 6 on October 28, 2013, taking his record to 10–0.

ResultWin MethodKO (punches) Round2 · 1:40 EventWSOF 6 DateOct 28, 2013 Record after10–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Dan Lauzon | WSOF 6, 2013 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Brian Cobb via TKO (leg kicks) in round 3 (2:19) at WSOF 3 on June 14, 2013, taking his record to 9–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (leg kicks) Round3 · 2:19 EventWSOF 3 DateJun 14, 2013 Record after9–0
Watch on YouTube Full Fight | Justin Gaethje vs Brian Cobb | WSOF 3, 2013 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Gesias Cavalcante via TKO (doctor stoppage) in round 1 (2:27) at WSOF 2 on March 23, 2013, taking his record to 8–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (doctor stoppage) Round1 · 2:27 EventWSOF 2 DateMar 23, 2013 Record after8–0
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs Gesias Cavalcante | WSOF 2, 2013 — PFL MMA
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Adrian Valdez via TKO (punches) in round 2 (0:19) at Rage in the Cage 164 on November 16, 2012, taking his record to 7–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches) Round2 · 0:19 EventRage in the Cage 164 DateNov 16, 2012 Record after7–0
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs. Adrian Valdez — RageInTheCageAZ
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Drew Fickett via KO (punch) in round 1 (0:12) at Rage in the Cage 163 on October 20, 2012, taking his record to 6–0.

ResultWin MethodKO (punch) Round1 · 0:12 EventRage in the Cage 163 DateOct 20, 2012 Record after6–0
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs. Drew Fickett — RageInTheCageAZ
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Sam Young via Submission (rear-naked choke) in round 2 (1:58) at Rage in the Cage 162 on September 29, 2012, taking his record to 5–0.

ResultWin MethodSubmission (rear-naked choke) Round2 · 1:58 EventRage in the Cage 162 DateSep 29, 2012 Record after5–0
Watch on YouTube Justin Gaethje vs. Sam Young — RageInTheCageAZ
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Marcus Edwards via Decision (unanimous) in round 3 (5:00) at Ring of Fire 43 on June 2, 2012, taking his record to 4–0.

ResultWin MethodDecision (unanimous) Round3 · 5:00 EventRing of Fire 43 DateJun 2, 2012 Record after4–0
Watch on YouTube UFC 286 Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev FINAL face-offs — All Out Fighting
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Donnie Bell via TKO (punches) in round 2 (2:57) at Ring of Fire 42 on December 17, 2011, taking his record to 3–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches) Round2 · 2:57 EventRing of Fire 42 DateDec 17, 2011 Record after3–0
No fight footage is available online for this bout.
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Joe Kelso via TKO (punches) in round 1 (4:32) at Bring the Thunder MMA 2 on October 1, 2011, taking his record to 2–0.

ResultWin MethodTKO (punches) Round1 · 4:32 EventBring the Thunder MMA 2 DateOct 1, 2011 Record after2–0
No fight footage is available online for this bout.
Fight Summary

Gaethje defeated Kevin Croom via KO (slam) in round 1 (1:01) at Ring of Fire 41 on August 20, 2011, taking his record to 1–0.

ResultWin MethodKO (slam) Round1 · 1:01 EventRing of Fire 41 DateAug 20, 2011 Record after1–0
No fight footage is available online for this bout.

Career record from the fighter's Wikipedia record table; fight footage plays via the official YouTube embed from its original channel.

Analytics

Win Method Breakdown
28 WINS
  • KO/TKO21 · 75%
  • Submission1 · 4%
  • Decision6 · 21%
  • DQ/Other0 · 0%
Key Rates
Finish rate
79%
KO rate
75%
Submission rate
4%
Recent Form
W W W L W
P4P Ranking Movement
#8 → #8 over 3 snapshots
FighterStatus Score
75.49

Proprietary FighterStatus metric — not an official ranking.

UFC Career Stats Source: UFC.com
0.30Takedown avg
0.67Knockdown Avg
0.00Submission avg
6.29Sig. Str. Landed
73 %Takedown Defense
51 %Sig. Str. Defense
12:38Average fight time
6.83Sig. Str. Absorbed
Win by Method
DEC
6 (21%)
SUB
1 (4%)
KO/TKO
21 (75%)
Sig. Str. By Position
Clinch
162 (13%)
Ground
44 (3%)
Standing
1065 (84%)
Photo: UFC.com (promotional image) — © UFC · source
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