Best fights of Justin Gaethje
Over 15 years as a professional, Justin Gaethje has compiled a 28-5 (22) record, including 13 title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Justin Gaethje KOs Dustin Poirier in their 2nd fight
On July 29, 2023 Justin Gaethje fought Dustin Poirier for the vacant symbolic 'BMF' title and symbolic UFC 'BMF' title lightweight titles. It was their second meeting. Gaethje was 34 years old with a record of 24-4, and Poirier was 34 with a record of 29-7. Both Gaethje and Poirier were coming off a win. Gaethje stopped Dustin Poirier via KO in the 2nd round. Won the vacant titles.
2. Justin Gaethje KOs Ilia Topuria
On June 14, 2026 Justin Gaethje fought Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title. Gaethje was 37 years old with a record of 27-5, and Topuria was 29 with a record of 17-0. Gaethje was on a 2-fight winning streak and Topuria was on an undefeated 17-fight winning streak. Gaethje stopped Ilia Topuria via TKO in the 4th round. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
3. Justin Gaethje KOs Tony Ferguson
On May 9, 2020 Justin Gaethje fought Tony Ferguson for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Gaethje was 31 years old with a record of 21-2, and Ferguson was 36 with a record of 25-3. Gaethje was on a 3-fight winning streak and Ferguson was on a 12-fight winning streak. Gaethje stopped Tony Ferguson via TKO in the 5th round. Won the vacant title.
4. Justin Gaethje KOs Donald Cerrone
On September 14, 2019 Justin Gaethje faced Donald Cerrone in a lightweight bout. Gaethje was 30 years old with a record of 20-2, and Cerrone was 36 with a record of 36-12. Gaethje was on a 2-fight winning streak, while Cerrone was coming off a loss. Gaethje stopped Donald Cerrone via TKO in the 1st round.
5. Justin Gaethje KOs Edson Barboza
On March 30, 2019 Justin Gaethje faced Edson Barboza in a lightweight bout. Gaethje was 30 years old with a record of 19-2, and Barboza was 33 with a record of 20-6. Both Gaethje and Barboza were coming off a win. Gaethje stopped Edson Barboza via KO in the 1st round.
6. Justin Gaethje defeats Paddy Pimblett
On January 24, 2026 Justin Gaethje fought Paddy Pimblett for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Gaethje was 37 years old with a record of 26-5, and Pimblett was 31 with a record of 23-3. Gaethje was coming off a win and Pimblett was on a 9-fight winning streak. Gaethje won via unanimous decision. Won the vacant title.
7. Justin Gaethje loses to Max Holloway via KO
On April 13, 2024 Justin Gaethje defended his symbolic 'BMF' title and symbolic UFC 'BMF' title lightweight titles against Max Holloway. Gaethje was 35 years old with a record of 25-4, and Holloway was 32 with a record of 25-7. Both Gaethje and Holloway were on a 2-fight winning streak. Holloway stopped Gaethje via KO in the 5th round. Lost the titles.
8. Justin Gaethje KOs Michael Johnson
On July 7, 2017 Justin Gaethje faced Michael Johnson in a lightweight bout. Gaethje was 28 years old with a record of 17-0, and Johnson was 31 with a record of 17-11. Gaethje was on an undefeated 17-fight winning streak, while Johnson was coming off a loss. Gaethje stopped Michael Johnson via TKO in the 2nd round.
9. Justin Gaethje KOs Luiz Firmino
On December 31, 2016 Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF lightweight title against Luiz Firmino. Gaethje was 28 years old with a record of 16-0, and Firmino was 34 with a record of 19-7. Gaethje was on an undefeated 16-fight winning streak, while Firmino was coming off a loss. Gaethje stopped Luiz Firmino via TKO in the 3rd round. Defended the title.
10. Justin Gaethje KOs Brian Foster
On March 12, 2016 Justin Gaethje defended his WSOF lightweight title against Brian Foster. Gaethje was 27 years old with a record of 15-0, and Foster was 31 with a record of 26-8. Gaethje was on an undefeated 15-fight winning streak and Foster was on a 2-fight winning streak. Gaethje stopped Brian Foster via TKO in the 1st round. Defended the title.