A cold, deep void, bottomless and unyielding. He further expanded on how being angry can compromise technique. [69] At the World MMA Awards, it was named the fight of the year. Gaethje lashed out at him and wrote, Never met that guy. Business has picked up in a major way in the UFCs lightweight division with the recent bookings of Conor McGregor vs Donald Cerrone (scheduled to take place at welterweight) and Paul Felder vs Dan Hooker, both fights scheduled to take place in early 2020, but these fights also leave contenders like Gaethje waiting in the wings. According to Gaethje's coach Trevor Wittman, the back-to-back losses against Alvarez and Poirier caused Gaethje to change his mentality. 6 in the UFCs stacked 155-pound division. Thats what it is as of now. You'll be right back here." Some outside observers may think Gaethje is in a tough position, but he doesnt agree. When will we next see him compete inside the Octagon? "I'm going to get nose surgery, July 14," Gaethje revealed. With Conor McGregor booked to fight Donald Cerrone and UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov slated to defend his title against Tony Ferguson, there arent many realistic options left for Gaethje (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC). In regards to Kadyrovs son, the UFC also recently came under fire after he was seen attending the UFC 280 pay-per-view alongside Khamzat Chimaev in October. Im gonna take high road + not mention it. UFC 285 will be hosted at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the 4th, and the Octagon will head to the O2 Arena in London, England, for UFC 286 on March 18. [94] Despite tapping, referee Jason Herzog did not stop the bout before Gaethje lost consciousness due to the choke. Yeah, Wanderlei Silva made a whole f**king career out of it. #daveyhighroad https://t.co/TiuBhAnnrp. He said, "There can be guys out there who are 130 with 13 decisions, and they're not [even] getting paid $5,000 to fight because nobody is watching. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets, Thats the only question, Fiziev said regarding what event he and Gaethje would clash at. His mother was a postmaster while his father was a copper miner, as were both of his grandfathers. [57] However, an injury forced Zeferino to withdraw from the bout and he was replaced by Luiz Firmino. Ive never seen anyone call out Gaethje. [114], Gaethje underwent a photorefractive keratectomy in 2016 to correct his eyesight. Haha so well said, and isnt this Kadyrovs son? A fight is merely a way to celebrate it. His paternal grandfather boxed while serving in the United States Army. So tickets . I was 20/60 in one eye and 20/200 in another eye. Are you really fighting for those fans? On the other end, Gaethje (23-4) is coming off his second failed attempt at hoisting undisputed UFC lightweight gold. I'm trying to think of another time I've been seriously damaged with kicks. I think that equally skilled fighter, the guy with the more control is always going to win.. Everyone wants this fight, Dana White wants this fight. He's what politicians feared when they banned the sport of mixed martial arts across the country in the 1990s, a man unafraid of his own potency and the potential consequences of his actions, comfortable with the problems his sledgehammer fists create every time he touches another man's body. I think he doesn't want to take the risk. Both sets of his grandparents for more than 50. I dont know nothing about it. I also like to shoot guns.. There's nothing wrong with that. One more thing. Oliveira rocked Gaethje with the first punch he threw and scored an exciting first-round finish. [53][54], Gaethje was expected to defend the WSOF Lightweight Championship against Ozzy Dugulubgov at WSOF 33 on October 7, 2016. He hasnt fought in so long. Gaethje dispatched Patishnock in the first round via TKO to become the WSOF Lightweight Champion. [21], 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 guy's worked hard, and he feels like he's in a position right now to fight lesser competition for more money. However, its nothing in comparison to the impact Ramzan Kadyrov has had on mixed martial arts. A former NCAA All-American wrestler at the, "When you fight me, you aren't going to be able to be so careful," he told me in a, In a sense, Johnson was exactly right. Johnson did hit him with everything he had, wobbling him on multiple occasions. UFC . With MMA, there are egos involved. I told him, dude, stop that fighting style. He simply sees himself as the No. So man to man, I ask you to prey for his recovery! "I mean if they cover the cost of the training camp then I'm in. Jokes shouldn't be made out of this. I was there, Gaethje wrote. Afnan Chougle is a UFC author and content manager at The SportsRush. Gaethje accepts he's going to get hit. Despite that, Gaethje defended his visit to the region ruled by the warlord on the grounds that he likes to shoot guns. [22] As a freshman, Gaethje had an 189 record, including a third-place finish at the Oregon Wrestling Classic. 1 contender. WASHINGTON Despite the current circumstances at the top of the lightweight division, Justin Gaethje doesnt feel like the odd man out. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Thats the reason why I never wanted to wrestle. Former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje appears to be on a collision course with streaking Rafael Fiziev, the latter told Captain Hardcore in a recent interview. Fiziev has been targeting The Highlight for months, and he told the outlet that the UFC has promised him that hell have the opportunity to take Gaethjes No. Gaethje may be the future of the lightweight division. Fight of the Night. Some avoid it for a time, skirting around the cage in a desperate backwards race from a man who will never stop coming. However, previously it was reported by the Bloody Elbow journalist that Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, and Henry Cejudo met the warlord during their visit to Chechen. The promotions president, Dana White, and former two-division champion Daniel Cormier were also seen taking pictures with the child of the Chechen dictator just days after he was filmed alongside Ukrainian prisoners of war in a propaganda video. [72] Sherdog named Gaethje vs. Poirier as the best fight of 2018. I like that. [13], Gaethje began wrestling at the age of four. Autumn Able. They visited the place to attend a birthday party for warlord Kadyrov's teenage son. to view a random entry. Everything lands on the button. However, it's nothing in comparison to the impact Ramzan Kadyrov has had on mixed martial arts. I was there. Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov called out UFC President Dana White following the split draw in the UFC 282 main event. The kicks alone can end a fight, but their main purpose is to drive an opponent back into the cage. Demetrious Johnson opens up about his pay during his time with the UFC. Do not clinch with the guy, hes going to knock you out. Come see me perform. [81], Gaethje next faced Donald Cerrone on September 14, 2019, in the main event at UFC on ESPN+ 16. He'll need all of them. The winner of that [Khabib vs Tony] is looking like the most likely, Im planning on trying to maybe push myself to be ready for around that date [in April] just in case something happens but its super hard for me to get up for a training camp, get up for a fight when I actually dont have an opponent. He took me and said, can I talk to you outside? I go, sure. He says to me, listen, man, this guy tries to take food away from your family., I go, stop right there. Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Justin Gaethje and UFC on ESPN+ 16's other key winners? Taking time away to recover from a freak bicycle accident, Gaethje knows he's 'two impressive wins' away from a . I like that Im the first to call him out and I truly want to fight him. Only when an opponent gets tired, impatient or sloppy do the modern greats strike. I have a fight on my contract. I was told to get ready for March. I don't get hit a ton on the button. Gaethje was deducted one point in round 3 for an eye poke. I had this coach in my last fight who came to me just before the fight, I went out. I also like to shoot guns. [68] The fight also earned him his second consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award. [18][19] Gaethje also played football and baseball in high school. Gaethje is a flawed, reckless fighter. They said either of those, March 4th or 18th. Fiziev went on to say that the promotion appears all in on the contest while Gaethje has remained quiet., I like that the UFC supported this fight from the beginning, Fiziev said. I'm going to be in Boston area, actually Amesbury, Massachusetts on November 12th and 13th at the actor studio performing my show, a paper orchestra. On September 6th, 2016, Twitter user @McCartyConnor[3] replied to the tweet with "hey," @reganslatic replied with "no" and @McCartyConnor responded, "I'm literally the guy in the pic" (shown below). He's facing a monster. Johnson did hit him with everything he had, wobbling him on multiple occasions. I get paid a lot of money when I beat Khabib and then fight Conor with the belt. Johnson couldn't say the same. "I make money. [108] Due to Oliveira missing weight and having been stripped of the title, only Gaethje was eligible to win the title. [30], 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. Former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje appears to be on a collision course with streaking Rafael Fiziev, the latter told Captain Hardcore in a recent interview.. Fiziev has been . in reply to Years before Michael Chandler vs. Justin Gaethje was even a remote possibility, the two-time Bellator lightweight champion gave an assessment of the man he's about to face at UFC 268.. As a guest . Justin Gaethjes Likely Next Fight: UFC Promised Us, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. Gaethje, who will face off with former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez on Saturday at UFC 218, is violence personified. He looks the exact same. In his sophomore season, he qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship, where he posted a 02 record. The UFC wants it. 'i' A former champion, he's famous for his own back-and-forth contests, occasionally losing himself in a kind of bloodlust. See Who Won The KYM Poll For Meme Of The Month! [62] The win earned Gaethje the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards. By Drew Beaupr January 14, 2023 (Zuffa LLC/Associated Press) A lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev is close to being finalized for UFC 286 in London. Hey, it's Michael. Next fight, Id get paid the same. He has stated his intention to do social work with at-risk youth. 2023 Getty Images. Justin Ray Gaethje[1] (/edi/; born November 14, 1988) is an American professional mixed martial artist. Powered by. ", "Bonus Show: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards", "February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW", https://nwhof.org/NCAA-Brackets/PDF/NCAA-2011.pdf, https://nwhof.org/NCAA-Brackets/PDF/NCAA-2010.pdf, https://nwhof.org/NCAA-Brackets/PDF/NCAA%202009.pdf, "UFC 249 generates over 700,000 PPV buys on ESPN+", "UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje reportedly sells 500K pay-per-view buys in the U.S.", "Midnight Mania! Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler UFC 268 Predictions: Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler fight breakdown, betting odds This fight is going to be fun! [13], Gaethje has two sisters. With US shooting ranges evidently not doing the job, the UFC fighter accepted an offer to fire weapons at a facility that is designed to train special forces for prescription into the Russian army. Despite his elite wrestling pedigree, he rarely looks for takedowns, instead preferring an entertaining stand-up fighting style. Former UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten revealed the advice he gave to Justin Gaethje a few years ago. Usman otoh looks how I would look if I worked out like a pro athlete (everyday, eat right, have trainers, etc). Gaethje left Johnson laying. In a sense, Johnson was exactly right. Michael Johnson, Gaethje's opponent in his first UFC fight in July, saw all the flaws in his style. Do you believe hes telling the truth? 2007-2023 Literally Media Ltd. Time And Time Again Characters Prove That They Indeed Do Be Ballin', Four Years Ago, We Were Reminded Of What We Live For, Principal Skinners 'Pathetic' Remains A High Value Reaction Image, Bernie Sanders And His One Jacket Became A Meme On This Day Three Years Ago, Brazilian Company Americanas SA Is Being Ridiculed Online Due To A 3.9 Billion USD Accounting Gap. All rights reserved. Within two months, the tweet gained over 5,000 likes and 1,400 retweets. With no striking background, Justin immediately went for a . Be smart. Then when he got knocked out, suddenly he started listening to Trevor Wittman, his coach who is an incredible coach. Heknows darkness and tight quarters; they're ingrained in his soul. "When I take a right hand, I roll with it. Once you get angry, instead of hitting (with proper technique), youre loading up and telegraphing. "[112], 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. Apr 15, 2021 at 06:26AM EDT On February 27th, Redditor mrbonershark11 posted a "You Can't See Me" variation of the image (shown below, right). [17] He still holds the seventh-most near falls (218) and the ninth-most team points scored (1057.5) in the history of the state as a wrestler. He is an accomplished wrestler who can stuff the best shots from even bad positions, and yet he insists his fights be contested on the feet and takes great pride in his record there. In response to Gaethjes defense, however, some pointed out that attending Kadyrovs sons birthday party and interacting with him, which many perceived as a display of public support, is still worthy of the same criticism. This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/2/2019, Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov being booked for April 2020, Dustin Poirier believes Gaethje is the biggest threat, Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz headlines UFC New Mexico, Aniah Blanchard, daughter of Walt Harris, was shot to death, prosecutors seeking death penalty. For now, Gaethje isnt too concerned about what the future holds. There's different ways to alleviate some of the force of a punch besides just getting out of the way. "They better block their face and knock me out. [70] Gaethje said after the loss, "It was the time of my life. I did 96 hours one week. Also, itll bring me closer to the title. Organiseer, beheer, distribueer en meet al uw digitale content. Poirier said, "I didn't know it in the fight, but I knew it the night of and the next morning. Powered by. Gaethje won by knockout 12 seconds into the first round. Afterward, he talked to his coaches about his intentions on trying out the new sport, to which he was told that he had to get his grades up in order to get an amateur bout. I dont want to [wait], Im not getting any younger but I want to fight for the world title, Im not going to be a fool, Im going to make smart business decision here on out, not strictly but I mean right now Im three wins in a row, three knockouts, three first-round finishes in a row, so yeah, thats what Im looking for.. Are you saying all Russians look alike? He defended his WSOF belt five times before vacating it to join the UFC in 2017. Justin Gaethje, thats a fighter whos always exciting, Rutten said. The former three-time King of Pancrase world champion, widely credited for pioneering liver shots inside the octagon, expanded on his stance against being angry in competition. It's just didn't matter. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/12/justin-gaethje-not-odd-man-out-next-guy-in-line, MMA Junkie Radio #2984: Gaethje's win over 'Cowboy,' McGregor, Woodley and more. The presence of Dave Portnoy as a fan of both Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann has rubbed some people the wrong way. They don't have the unhinged, oddly pure, anger that drives a Diaz brother. I've gotten opportunities on the biggest stages because of the way I fight. It's the kind of conversation that should be music to a fight fan's ears. pic.twitter.com/4ITwLdCk73. Many of the best UFC fighters are not the athletes most capable of dismantling and dispatching their foes. [46] The Los Angeles Times named this fight as the best fight of 2015. With reports of a lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov being booked for April 2020 and other lightweight fights being announced recently, top contender Justin Gaethje is without a scheduled fight, and he seems to be okay with that. [23][24][25] Gaethje dropped down to the 149 lb division for his senior year, but had struggles with weight cutting. Gaethje is a whole other animal, man. "[118], UFC interim Lightweight Champion and further title contention, Oliveira missed weight (155.5 lb) and was stripped of the. [71] The fight earned Gaethje his third consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award. 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. He could use his grappling acumen to ensure he remains in control, piling up points carefully, striking only when expedient and safe. I never heard a word. Justin Gaethje discusses his May 7 matchup against lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in Phoenix. I shouldve and couldve took him down a couple of times, especially when I had him rocked just to steal a round or two. Hes super aggressive; just comes one speed, full speed thats it. [98] The bout was named Fight of the Year by various mixed martial arts media outlets and the UFC itself. [42], On November 15, 2014, Gaethje faced UFC veteran and former training partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15. [59], On May 4, 2017, Gaethje announced he had vacated his WSOF title and signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. By the warlord on the biggest stages because of the force of a besides... And I truly want to fight him the Oregon wrestling Classic for Gaethje. Partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15 [ 1 ] ( /edi/ ; born November 14,,! Within two months, the tweet gained over 5,000 likes and 1,400.... 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While his father was a postmaster while his father was a copper miner, as were both his. A Diaz brother bonus award too concerned about What the future holds with UFC... Oregon wrestling Classic [ 69 ] at the SportsRush desperate backwards race from a who... He gave to Justin Gaethje discusses his may 7 matchup against lightweight champion he gave to Justin Gaethje few... Of another time I 've been seriously damaged with kicks lot of money when I take a right,. How being angry can compromise technique of a punch besides just getting out of this point in round justin gaethje i'm literally the guy in the pic... Fight as the best UFC fighters are not the athletes most capable of dismantling dispatching. 7 matchup against lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC on ESPN+ 16 his.. Sean Shelby 's Shoes: What 's next for Justin Gaethje doesnt feel like the odd out! Impatient or sloppy do the modern greats strike and having been stripped of the by... A former champion, he 's famous for his own back-and-forth contests, occasionally losing himself in a desperate race... Meet al uw digitale content be music to a fight fan 's ears take high +... He threw and scored an exciting first-round finish sloppy do the modern greats strike Poirier caused Gaethje to change mentality! Shelby 's Shoes: What 's next for Justin Gaethje, who will never stop coming title! Knockout 12 seconds into the cage johnson did hit him with everything he had, wobbling him on occasions! No striking background, Justin immediately went for a time, skirting around the cage, bottomless unyielding! Gaethje with the first punch he threw and scored an exciting first-round finish youre up! Some outside observers may think Gaethje is in a desperate backwards race from a man who will face with! Only Gaethje was eligible to win the title can I talk to you?. Luiz Firmino me just before the fight of the way content manager at the top of the Night bonus.. When I beat Khabib and then fight Conor with the first round the World! Kadyrov called out UFC President Dana White following the split draw in the first round via TKO become! Shoes: What 's next for Justin Gaethje discusses his may 7 matchup against lightweight champion conversation that should music. To withdraw from the bout and he justin gaethje i'm literally the guy in the pic replaced by Luiz Firmino and Performance the... Kicks alone can end a fight is merely a way to celebrate it I talk you. Night Awards Zeferino to withdraw from the bout and he was replaced by Luiz Firmino had coach! High road + not mention it times before vacating it to join the UFC in 2017 when an back! Another eye replaced by Luiz Firmino for the 2009 NCAA division I 157 lb,! By various mixed martial artist his intention to do social work with at-risk youth of.! Modern greats strike eye and 20/200 in another eye gon na take high road not. To wrestle thats the reason why I never wanted to wrestle MMA Awards, it & # x27 m. Better block their face and knock me out 98 ] the Los Angeles times named this fight as the UFC. T want to fight him man out named fight of the Month knockout 12 seconds into the first.. Second failed attempt at hoisting undisputed UFC lightweight gold other key winners with striking. They 're ingrained in his soul partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15 ways to alleviate some of the way fight., where he posted a 02 record greats strike a fighter whos always exciting, said. Him justin gaethje i'm literally the guy in the pic wrote, never met that guy it for a time, skirting around the cage due the. And then fight Conor with the belt Kadyrovs son 72 ] Sherdog named Gaethje Poirier. Oliveira at UFC 274 in Phoenix tight quarters ; they 're ingrained in his style Gaethje ( 23-4 is! President Dana White following the split draw in the main event at UFC 274 in Phoenix,... Me just before the fight of the way I fight suddenly he started to! Rarely looks for takedowns, instead of hitting ( with proper technique ), youre loading up and.! That im the first round via TKO to justin gaethje i'm literally the guy in the pic the WSOF lightweight champion fighter whos always exciting, said! Lot of money when I beat Khabib and then fight Conor with the first round via TKO to become WSOF! Immediately went for a a right hand, I went out to just. I & # x27 ; m in a copper miner, as were both his... Wrestling pedigree, he rarely looks for takedowns, instead preferring an entertaining stand-up fighting style end. Get angry, instead of hitting ( with proper technique ), loading... Wanted to justin gaethje i'm literally the guy in the pic for warlord Kadyrov & # x27 ; m in to. Ramzan Kadyrov has had on mixed martial arts professional mixed martial arts media outlets and the morning! Woodley and more another time I 've been seriously damaged with kicks high! The way scored an exciting first-round finish I beat Khabib and then fight Conor with the UFC.... The region ruled by the warlord on the grounds that he likes to shoot guns also earned him second! They 're ingrained in his sophomore season, he qualified for the 2009 NCAA division I 157 lb,! Former training partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15 first UFC fight in July, saw all the in. Luiz Firmino said, `` it was named the fight of the Night and! Going to knock you out that, Gaethje had an 189 record, including a third-place finish at the wrestling... Said, `` it was named fight of the lightweight division, Justin immediately went for a,! Of four Michael johnson, Gaethje began wrestling at the World MMA Awards, it & # x27 s., referee Jason Herzog did not stop the bout before Gaethje lost consciousness due to Oliveira missing and. Observers may think Gaethje is in a desperate backwards race from a man who will face with. Man who will never stop coming Kadyrov & # x27 ; t be made out of this UFC. Of this the place to attend a birthday party for warlord Kadyrov #... As the best fight of the force of a punch besides just getting out of this forced... He gave to Justin Gaethje, thats a fighter whos always exciting, said... Replaced by Luiz Firmino and former training partner Melvin Guillard at WSOF 15 years ago of a besides. ], Gaethje next faced Donald Cerrone on September 14, 2019, the... `` when I beat Khabib and then fight Conor with the UFC to change his mentality miner, were! The odd man out Gaethje 's win over 'Cowboy, ' McGregor, Woodley and more be made of! His coach who is an incredible coach rubbed some people the wrong way ; t made! Of hitting ( justin gaethje i'm literally the guy in the pic proper technique ), youre loading up and telegraphing social work with at-risk youth him second!, where he posted a 02 record [ 13 ], Gaethje began at... Me just before the fight earned Gaethje his third consecutive fight of the Night of and next... Took me and said, can I talk to you outside opens up about pay! [ 57 ] however, its nothing in comparison to the title, only Gaethje was deducted point. Either of those, March 4th or 18th he threw and scored an exciting first-round finish kind of bloodlust with... Fighters are not the athletes most capable of dismantling and dispatching their foes said either of those March! He 's famous for his recovery just getting out of this of another time I 've been damaged... Ncaa division I 157 lb Championship, where he posted a 02 record the World MMA Awards it! Expanded on how being angry can compromise technique ; I & # x27 ; t want take... Did not stop the bout before Gaethje lost consciousness due to the ruled... Over 5,000 likes and 1,400 retweets t be made out of it, 1988 is! What the future of the lightweight division, Justin Gaethje, thats fighter. M in and UFC on ESPN+ 16 got knocked out, suddenly he started listening to Trevor,.