My9Iron · Crossover Athlete Golf Profile
Justin Gaethje Bio
Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje is a UFC lightweight champion, NCAA All-American wrestler and dedicated recreational golfer who competed on Ryan Ruffels’ White Team in the 2026 Internet Invitational.
Justin Gaethje at a glance
Gaethje is an MMA champion who enjoys golf; this page does not represent him as a professional tournament golfer.
From Arizona wrestling to Northern Colorado
Justin Ray Gaethje was born November 14, 1988, in Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in Safford. He became a three-time state wrestling champion in high school and competed at the University of Northern Colorado. In 2010, he finished seventh at the NCAA Division I championships at 157 pounds, earning All-American honors. Northern Colorado later inducted him into its athletics Hall of Fame. His competitive background long predates both MMA and golf.
The Highlight: Justin Gaethje’s UFC career
Known as The Highlight, Gaethje built his professional MMA career on aggressive striking and relentless pressure. He was World Series of Fighting lightweight champion before joining the UFC in 2017. He won the interim UFC lightweight title in 2020 and again in January 2026, earned the BMF belt in 2023, and defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026 to capture the undisputed UFC lightweight championship, according to the UFC’s official fight history. Those are fighting achievements, not golf titles.
Why Justin Gaethje plays so much golf
Golf became a significant outlet for Gaethje outside the Octagon. In a 2026 Sports Illustrated interview, he recalled going to golf courses with his father as a child and becoming more committed to the game as an adult. In a March 2025 ESPN MMA interview, he said he had played almost every day during much of his break after the Max Holloway fight. The UFC’s own Din Diaries filmed him playing golf with Din Thomas in 2022. He has also participated in celebrity and creator-golf competitions, showing that the Internet Invitational was not his first golf appearance. He also described bringing clubs when traveling for UFC appearances, allowing time for morning rounds. Golf demands patience and shot-making very different from his combat-sports career.
Golf tournaments beyond the Internet Invitational
In October 2026, MMA Fighting reported that Gaethje had played in several golf tournaments, including a July 2026 event organized by former opponent Max Holloway. He also appeared in celebrity golf competition in 2025. In a 2026 Sports Illustrated interview, Gaethje discussed charity golf events benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a Boys and Girls Club in Safford, Arizona. He also spoke about wanting to pursue more celebrity golf after fighting. These are firsthand statements of his interests and activities, not a claim about a current golf ranking or handicap.
Justin Gaethje won both opening matches on White Team
Gaethje joined Ryan Ruffels’ White Team in the 2026 Internet Invitational at Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri. In Episode 1, Gaethje and Ryan Ruffels defeated Martin Borgmeier and Josh Kelley 2 and 1 in their scramble, with an eagle contributing to the win. In Episode 2, Gaethje paired with Grant Horvat and beat Roger Steele and Short Game King 1 up in alternate shot. After an 8–8 tie with Blue Team, White advanced through the sudden-death playoff decided by Big John’s birdie putt. These were opening-stage results, not the overall tournament championship. See the 2026 Internet Invitational hub for standings.
What makes Gaethje’s golf story different?
Unlike touring golfers in the field, Gaethje arrived with elite credentials in an entirely different sport. His wrestling and UFC career explain his comfort with competitive pressure, while his own interviews show that golf became a regular recreational pursuit. The event paired him with highly accomplished golfers, giving audiences a chance to see an MMA champion compete in team golf rather than in the cage.
Justin Gaethje plays golf with Din Thomas
UFC 274 — Din Diaries: Golfing With Justin Gaethje.
Justin Gaethje discusses playing golf nearly every day
ESPN MMA — Justin Gaethje on golf after UFC 300.
Justin Gaethje at the 2026 Internet Invitational
Internet Invitational 2026 Episode 1.
Justin Gaethje frequently asked questions
Who is Justin Gaethje?
Justin Gaethje is an American UFC lightweight champion, former collegiate All-American wrestler and recreational golfer.
Did Justin Gaethje play college sports?
Yes. He wrestled at Northern Colorado and was a 2010 NCAA Division I All-American.
Does Justin Gaethje play golf?
Yes. He has appeared in UFC golf videos, celebrity golf events and the 2026 Internet Invitational.
What team was Justin Gaethje on in the 2026 Internet Invitational?
Ryan Ruffels’ White Team.
How did Gaethje do in the opening matches?
He and Ryan Ruffels won 2 and 1 in Episode 1; he and Grant Horvat won 1 up in Episode 2.
What is Justin Gaethje’s golf handicap?
A verified current official Handicap Index has not been established.
More 2026 Internet Invitational profiles
Ryan Ruffels
Gaethje’s scramble partner and captain.
Grant Horvat
Gaethje’s alternate-shot partner.
Big John
White Team’s playoff-winning putt.
2026 Internet Invitational
All 64 players, teams and results.
Career and golf references
UFC official profile · Northern Colorado athletics · MMA Fighting Invitational report.
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