Justin Gaethje
UFC 2017–present · rated in 5 editions · peak overall 92.0
Scouting report
Known as "The Highlight," Justin Gaethje attacks opponents with low kicks, hooks, and constant forward pressure. From Safford, Arizona, the former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion and BMF Champion fought Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler, backed by an 80 Durability, 88 Boxing, 83 Kickboxing, and 84 Overall rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Making his UFC debut in July 2017 at the TUF 25 Finale in Las Vegas, Gaethje stopped Michael Johnson via second-round TKO in a Fight of the Year contender, before dropping a knockout loss against former champion Eddie Alvarez at UFC 218 in Detroit. His low calf kicks, guard pressure, and punching power are reflected in an 88 Boxing and 88 Kickboxing.
After a loss to Dustin Poirier in April 2018 in Glendale, Gaethje retooled his approach under coach Trevor Wittman, scoring three consecutive first-round knockouts over James Vick in Lincoln, Edson Barboza in Philadelphia, and Donald Cerrone in Vancouver. His power punching and technical boxing adjustments are reflected in an 90 Boxing and 90 Kickboxing score.
In May 2020 at UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Gaethje dismantled Tony Ferguson via fifth-round TKO to win the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship, before dropping a title unification submission to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 and defeating Michael Chandler in a 2021 Fight of the Year war at UFC 268 in Madison Square Garden. His power boxing and durability anchor his 92 Boxing and 92 Kickboxing.
Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev in a striking battle at UFC 286 in London, knocked out Dustin Poirier with a head kick at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City to capture the BMF title, and fought Max Holloway at UFC 300 in Las Vegas. His low kicks, right-hand power, and toughness are reflected in an 93 Boxing and 93 Kickboxing.
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Ratings shown are our own, built from independent research and from how Justin Gaethje is regarded by the MMA community, with the EA Sports UFC games used only as a starting baseline for the scale. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Justin Gaethje's real-world abilities. See the disclaimer below.