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

2. Michael Chandler vs. Justin Gaethje

When Michael Chandler vs. Justin Gaethje was announced for UFC 268 fight fans knew this one would be special, and it did not disappoint. The fight won Fight of the Year honors in 2021. This marked the second time a Gaethje fight had won the award. 

At this point in his career, Gaethje was trying to take a more measured approach in his fights compared to earlier in his career. Chandler was determined to bring out the old Gaethje as he came out swinging for the fences. Chandler had Gaethje hurt early in the round. Throughout the first round, the pair traded vicious leg kicks and haymakers combining for 89 significant strikes. 

The second round was far more successful for Gaethje. Early in the round, Gaethje floored Chandler with a monster right uppercut and almost finished him. Throughout the rest of the round Gaethje picked Chandler apart with jabs, huge right hands, and punishing leg kicks. Chandler’s face and left leg were visibly damaged heading into the third round. 

To the surprise of most, these two battled into the third round. Early in the round, Chandler trying to wrestle more, got under Gaethje’s hips on a double-leg takedown and lifted him into the air. Somehow, Gaethje was able to cartwheel in mid-air and end up on Chandler's back landing punches.

By this point, Gaethje has seriously damaged Chandler’s lead leg causing him to fight out of the southpaw stance for much of the round. The two continued to trade until the final bell with Justin Gaethje winning a unanimous decision.

Two of the best action fighters of this generation did not disappoint. 116 of Justin Gaethje’s 133 total strikes landed were significant. He also landed 26 of 28 strikes to the leg.