Name | Justin Gaethje |
Nickname | The Highlight |
Net Worth | Approx $4 million |
Age | 32 Years (born 14th November 1988) |
Residence | Safford, Arizona, United States |
Marital Status | Unknown |
Sources of Wealth | Mixed Martial Arts and Endorsements |
Division | Lightweight ( 155 lbs ) |
Height | 5’11” |
MMA Record | 22-3-0 |
Recent Endorsements | Gains in Bulk and ONX Sports |
Team/Gym | Genesis Training Center |
Last Updated | April 2021 |
Every Justin Gaethje fight lives up to his nickname. “The Highlight’s” ever aggressive and reckless in - ring style has earned him plaudits from fans and many prominent MMA pundits. Joe Rogan, who's been in the game for about two decades, described Gaethje as “the most violent man”. Rogan posted this on Instagram after Gaethje’s vicious KO win over Edson Barboza.
“To be considered the most violent man in the most violent sport in the world is a fucking crazy position, but in my mind @justin_gaethje is that man.”
Gaethje was bought into the UFC with a perfect 18-0 MMA record. He made his intentions clear in his debut as he secured a memorable second round TKO win over Michael Jackson. The fight was honoured with both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. However, Gaethje’s skills caught up as he was handed his first ever professional MMA loss by Eddie Alvarez followed by another loss to Dustin Poirier.
Gaethje’s recent comeback has been well witnessed by fans. He secured wins over Barboza and Cerrone. Gaethje then went on to face Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight belt on short - notice and delivered absolute domination. While his hot streak eventually came to an end by Khabib Nurmegomedov, he has still secured himself as one of the top draws in the company.
Outside of the octagon, Gaethje was also an All - American and has competed in NCAA Division I Wrestling. On an episode of Food Truck Diaries, Gaethje revealed why he doesn’t use offensive wrestling in MMA -
“I was always against it [wrestling] because I was gonna get tired,” Gaethje said. “I walked off a seven minute match — almost every time — almost unable to walk.
What is Justin Gaethje's Net Worth in 2021?
According to Celebrity Net Worth Justin Gaethje’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
Before stepping into the “cash-rich” UFC, Gaethje fought in the WSOF. According to Sports Daily, Gaethje earned a substantial payday in his last three fights at the promotion. Keeping in mind he was already a big name in MMA, hence his first payday at the UFC was his career - best of $302,500.
That record was broken when Gaethje accepted the short notice fight against Tony Ferguson and pocketed $480,000.
Apart from contractual pay, Gaethje has earned Fight of the Night five times and Performance of the Night four times.
However, in 2019, when Al laquita managed to secure a new and better contract, Gaethje felt undervalued too. He had this to say in an interview with ESPN -
"I'm pissed about a lot of things. I've been involved in Fight of the Year the last two years, and that's all f---ing cool and it sounds good to fans, but I don't get a damn thing for that."
"It's bulls---. NFL players get bonuses for sacks, completions, rushing yards, whatever. I go out and put it on the line like I do, and I pretty much get s--- on."
It seems like Gaethje's narrative has changed now, now the motive seems legacy over money. After beating Ferguson, he reportedly chose to wait for Khabib Nurmegomedov rather than taking the money fight with McGregor.
Justin Gaethje's Career Earnings
According to Sports Daily, Gaethje’s career earnings are around $2,874,500. Below are his top five paydays in the sport.
Sr. No | Date/Event | Opponent | Purse | W / L |
5 | 30th Mar 2019 / UFC Fight Night : Barboza vs Gaethje | Edson Barboza | $294,000 | W |
4 | 7th Jul 2017 / TUF25 Finale | Michael Johnson | $302,500 | W |
3 | 14th Sept 2019 / UFC: Cowboy vs Gaethje | Donald Cerrone | $315,000 | W |
2 | 24th Oct 2020 / UFC 254 | Khabib Nurmegomedov | $440,000 | L |
1 | 9th May2020 / UFC 249 | Tony Ferguson | $480,000 | W |
He noticeably earned more in his fight against Ferguson than he did against Nurmagomedov.
Justin Gaethje Endorsements
Throughout his MMA career, Gaethje has endorsed various projects. Brands like Gains in Bulk ONX Sports have recently joined hands with him.
Gaethje has also started his apparel brand, Violent 1.
Gaethje is a charitable person too. In 2019 he paid off the entire lunch debt of students from the west early college. West Early College released the following statement thanking Gaethje -
“West Early College families received a wonderful holiday gift today. Shout out to Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje who is a champion UFC fighter and friend to our Cowboys. We love and appreciate your generous gift! Thank you.”