Just a few days after one of the most significant battles in Justin Gaethje’s career, UFC legend Joe Rogan paid him the highest praise. On January 24th, Gaethje is set to challenge Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship in the headlining bout at UFC 324.
Since his UFC debut against Michael Johnson in 2017, the 37-year-old Gaethje has become a fan favorite in the 155-pound category. Nicknamed “The Highlight,” he has consistently delivered electrifying performances inside the Octagon, with his 2020 showdown against Tony Ferguson standing out as one of his best displays.
Back in 2020, during Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance in the lightweight division, the pandemic prevented Khabib from defending his title against Ferguson. This led to an interim title fight being arranged between Ferguson and Gaethje at UFC 249. Just days before the fight, Joe Rogan expressed his admiration for Gaethje on his podcast, dubbing him “the most violent fighter in the sport.” Rogan emphasized Gaethje’s relentless and intimidating fighting style, highlighting his knockout of Edson Barboza and calling his approach both reckless and calculated.
Gaethje then lived up to that reputation by decisively defeating Ferguson over five rounds, a loss that sparked Ferguson’s downward streak of eight straight defeats, eventually leading to his UFC release.
Gaethje’s ferocity has not only earned him respect but also significant financial rewards. Through 14 UFC fights, he has collected 14 performance bonuses totaling $950,000, placing him among the top earners in UFC post-fight bonuses history.
Fan Take: Joe Rogan’s endorsement of Gaethje as the UFC’s most violent fighter cements his legacy as one of the sport’s most exciting and relentless warriors. For fight fans, Gaethje’s upcoming bout at UFC 324 promises another thrilling chapter, showcasing the intense competition and dramatic storytelling that keep the sport captivating.
