J. Gaethje after UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
This Saturday (7), in the main fight of UFC 274, one of the most anticipated events of the year, Charles of the Bronx seeks the second defense of the organization's lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) belt against the North American Justin gaethje.
Known for the weight of his hands and for “defending himself with his chin”, the challenger is considered by many to be one of the most exciting athletes on the UFC roster. O SUPER FIGHTS prepared a profile of Justin gaethje, helping to explain how the American who won 19 of his 23 fights by knockout became a fan favorite.
Famed for stand-up fighting, but based on wrestling
J. Gaethje in college wrestling match (Photo: Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)
Justin gaethje He may be known for his knockout power and stand-up skills, but his martial arts base was wrestling, a sport he began training at the age of four. The American collected achievements in high school and became a first division NCAA wrestler during his college days in Colorado.
Years of dominance in WSOF
J. Gaethje was WSOF champion (Photo: Instagram/WSOF)
Justin gaethje He began his career in professional MMA in 2011 and arrived at WSOF in 2013, already boasting a record of seven victories, five of which were by knockout. “Highlight” won all ten fights he had in the WSOF decagon, nine of them by knockout, including winning the lightweight belt and five defenses.
Complicated start in the UFC
At 28 years old and with an undefeated record of 17 victories, 14 of which were by knockout, Justin gaethje He finally made it to the UFC, but he didn't have an easy life in the organization. After debuting with a victory (by knockout) over Michael Johnson, the former WSOF champion suffered the first two defeats of his career in a row, against Eddie Alvarez and Dustin poirier.
Interim title, disappointment against Khabib and new chance
J. Gaethje (photo) was interim UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
However, anyone who thinks that the setbacks shook Gaethje's confidence is mistaken. “Highlight” turned things around and scored four consecutive victories, the last of which was to win the interim belt against Tony Ferguson, in May 2020.
The first chance to become linear lightweight champion came in 2020, in the duel against Khabib Nurmagomedov, for the unification of the belts. Gaethje, however, ended up dominated and submitted by the Russian, who announced his retirement after the fight.
To qualify for a new chance to compete for the title, Justin gaethje promoted the 2021 “Fight of the Year”, when he overcame Michael chandler in a three-round “war”.
Bonus collector and protagonist status
J. Gaethje defeated M. Chandler in the UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Despite arriving at the UFC as an unknown to the general public, it didn't take long for him to Justin gaethje became popular with martial arts fans and even those who view the sport as entertainment. The numbers help explain why.
Of the nine fights Justin gaethje by the UFC, the only one that went to the judges' decision was precisely the last one, against Michael chandler, voted best of the year 2021. Furthermore, in these nine appearances, Gaethje accumulates an incredible ten “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses.
In addition to the fans, Justin gaethje also enjoys prestige with the organization. Seven of the American's nine appearances in the Octagon came in main fights.
Justin gaethje face Charles of the Bronx for the lightweight belt in the main fight of the UFC 274, this Saturday (7). The event also features a strawweight belt dispute in a rematch between Rose namajunas e Carla esparza.
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