Justin Gaethje, often called “The Spotlight,” has constructed probably the most entertaining careers in UFC light-weight historical past. Along with his relentless stress, devastating energy, and willingness to face and commerce, he has delivered numerous memorable moments. As of January 2026—following his latest interim title win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324—listed below are the highest 5 Justin Gaethje moments that outline his legacy as probably the most violent and fan-favorite fighters within the sport.
5. The Explosive UFC Debut Knockout of Michael Johnson (July 7, 2017)
Justin Gaethje burst onto the UFC scene at The Final Fighter 25 Finale with a bang. After dominating with exact placing and stuffing takedowns, he broke down Michael Johnson in a back-and-forth conflict, ending him with a second-round TKO. The combat earned Combat of the Evening, Efficiency of the Evening, and widespread acclaim as the most effective of 2017. It instantly established Gaethje as “must-watch” TV and showcased his highlight-reel potential.
This second launched followers to the chaos he would carry persistently.
4. The Brutal Head-Kick KO of Dustin Poirier for the BMF Title (July 29, 2023, UFC 291)
In a extremely anticipated rematch, Gaethje avenged his 2018 loss to Dustin Poirier in spectacular vogue. After a measured first spherical, he landed a picture-perfect head kick early within the second, rocking Poirier earlier than swarming for the TKO. The win captured the symbolic BMF (“Baddest Motherf***er”) title and earned Efficiency of the Evening. It was a press release of redemption and violence, proving Gaethje may adapt and end elite opposition.
This knockout is commonly replayed as one in every of his cleanest and most satisfying finishes.
3. Profitable the Interim Light-weight Title In opposition to Tony Ferguson (Could 9, 2020, UFC 249)
Within the first UFC occasion of the COVID period, Justin Gaethje stepped up on quick discover and delivered a five-round masterclass in opposition to the undefeated Tony Ferguson. He outstruck and outgrappled “El Cucuy,” ending with a fifth-round TKO to assert the interim UFC light-weight championship. The efficiency earned Combat of the Evening and Efficiency of the Evening, halting Ferguson’s 12-fight win streak and positioning Gaethje as a real title contender.
It stays one in every of his most full and dominant showings.
2. The Epic Warfare with Michael Chandler (November 6, 2021, UFC 268)
Few fights encapsulate Gaethje’s model like his bloody slugfest with Michael Chandler at Madison Sq. Backyard. Each males traded bombs for 3 rounds in a continuous motion combat that lived as much as the hype. Gaethje edged out a unanimous determination victory, incomes Combat of the Evening. Many shops known as it Combat of the 12 months, highlighting his coronary heart, chin, and skill to thrive in pure chaos.
This battle cemented his status because the epitome of violence in MMA.
1. The Iconic Final-Second Knockout Loss to Max Holloway (April 13, 2024, UFC 300)
Whereas a loss, this second stands as Gaethje’s most unforgettable attributable to its drama. Defending the BMF title in opposition to Max Holloway, Gaethje engaged in a conflict of attrition throughout 5 rounds. Within the ultimate 10 seconds of the combat, Holloway landed a devastating proper hook that knocked Gaethje out chilly, profitable the BMF belt in probably the most surprising and cinematic finishes in UFC historical past. Gaethje earned Combat of the Evening for his efforts.
The picture of that knockout—and Gaethje’s warrior efficiency all through—has develop into legendary, typically cited as a defining spotlight of his profession regardless of the outcome.
Honorable mentions embody his first-round destruction of Edson Barboza (2019), the violent conflict with Eddie Alvarez (2017), and his latest gritty interim title win over Paddy Pimblett (January 24, 2026, UFC 324), which added one other chapter to his highlight-filled resume.Gaethje’s moments aren’t nearly wins—they’re about leisure, coronary heart, and delivering fights followers keep in mind endlessly.
“The Spotlight” continues to stay as much as his title.
