Justin Gaethje is currently one of the best lightweight fighters in the UFC. Having made his debut in the UFC in 2017, ‘The Highlight’ comes from a wrestling background. He is a former Arizona state champion and NCAA Division 1 All-American in wrestling. His achievements in MMA are no less impressive, as Gaethje flaunts a solid record of 25-4.
The former UFC interim champion, who is known for his explosive fighting style and dangerous leg kicks, recently captured the BMF title after defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.
Growing up, Justin wanted to pursue football, but he shifted to wrestling after he was told he was not ‘big’ enough physically. His interest in the sport was obvious as his twin brother Marcus Gaethje also used to play football.
Marcus has also cornered his brother in several fights, along with the coaches and other training partners. He has worked in Morenci Mine for more than 10 years. This is the same place where their father used to work as a copper miner.
Justin Gaethje also has a sister, Kenzie Jurado, who often comes to watch her brother display his skills inside the octagon. They family also present at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City when ‘The Highlight’ stunned everyone by defeating Dustin Poirier via KO with a brutal head kick.
Gaethje often shares pictures of his family on social media. He is very close to his mother Carolina Gaethje and wanted her to retire from her job after his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Carolina is of Mexican descent and worked as a postmaster.
Marcus Gaethje gets nervous while watching Justin Gaethje fight
Justin Gaethje is one of those fighters who likes to dominate their opponent right from the beginning. This was pretty evident from his very first fight in the UFC against Michael Johnson, where he launched a combination of punches and knees to defeat his opponent by TKO.
While this approach has been successful for him given his brilliant record in the UFC, it can also be dangerous at times. Gaethje has taken a good amount of damage throughout his career. It is only natural that his close ones worry for the lightweight veteran every time he steps inside the octagon.
Speaking about Gaethje’s fights, his twin Marcus expressed that he gets nervous when he sees his brother fighting. He further added that the thing he hates the most is that while he is stressed, Justin is goofing around and having fun.
“You know, what I hate the most is that I get nervous and he doesn’t. Like before, in the back of the room before we walk out, all of his coaches are a nervous wreck, and he’s back there goofing around, having fun, punching us.” Marcus Gaethje told TMZ Sports.
Marcus also added that he is really proud of his brother for whatever he has achieved, as they come from a small village in Arizona named Safford. While Justin Gaethje is an absolute beast when it comes to his fights, it is good to know that his brother is always there for him at the corner of the Octagon to support him.