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3 of the best Justin Gaethje fights, 1 of the worst

Justin Gaethje is one of the best action fighters of this generation, but even greats have duds. Here are four fights of Gaethje's that either met or missed the mark.

By Kurt Chase-Patrick

Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Justin Gaethje (red gloves) fights Rafael Fiziev (blue gloves)
Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Justin Gaethje (red gloves) fights Rafael Fiziev (blue gloves) / Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
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Justin Gaethje was put on this earth to fight. Fight after fight he seems to leave a piece of himself inside the Octagon for the excitement of the fans.

“The Highlight” is an apt nickname for Gaethje as his fights always end with plenty of highlight reel moments. With 20 finishes to his name including 19 knockouts, Gaethje is must watch television. 

He fights Dustin Poirier in a rematch of their 2018 classic for the “BMF” title at UFC 291. If they are going to bring back this gimmick belt, these were the two most deserving fighters. The fight will be reminiscent of a car accident by the time the final bell tolls.

Below we look at three of Gaethje’s best fights and one of his worst.

1. Michael Johnson vs. Justin Gaethje 

Justin Gaethje was thrust into the spotlight in his highly anticipated UFC debut against then No. 5-ranked Michael Johnson. The pair battled in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale on July 7, 2017. 

Leading up to the contest, there was some trash talk and bad blood. The two wasted no time once the bell rang as they met in the center of the octagon and traded punches, kicks, and knees non-stop from bell to bell. 

Both had success in the first round landing a combined 93 significant strikes. Gaethje was doing damage to Johnson’s legs, ripping brutal kicks to the inside and outside of Johnson’s lead leg. 

Toward the end of the first round, Gaethje was caught with a right hook to the jaw that seriously injured him. Johnson finished the first round teeing off on Gaethje up against the cage.

Somehow, the second round was even better than the first. Justin Gaethje moved forward throwing haymakers and punishing leg kicks while Michael Johnson moved laterally connecting with long rangy punches.

Johnson staggered Gaethje again in the second round with a left hand but somehow Gaethje managed to stay on his feet, recover and press forward once again. From this point, it seemed that Johnson was starting to slow down. The pressure and the leg kicks were starting to take their toll. 

With about 1:30 left in the second round, Gaethje landed an uppercut that hurt Johnson and smelled blood from there. A flying knee rocked Johnson against the cage. Gaethje followed with an uppercut and two more knees for good measure to end the fight.

This barn burner won fight of the year in 2017 as well as the second round winning round of the year. Gaethje landed 104 significant strikes.

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