UNC Magazine
June 25, 2026
Written by Sydney Kern
From UNC Wrestling to UFC Champion
Controlled chaos is something Just Gaethje is known for, and it has made him one of the sport's most exciting fighters
Justin Gaethje, a former UNC wrestler known widely as “The Highlight” in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), is beaming in the national spotlight.
Just months after winning the UFC Interim Lightweight Championship in January, Gaethje claimed the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship on Sunday, June 14, in one of the most talked-about events in the sport’s history. In what is widely considered a stunning upset, Gaethje defeated the previously unbeaten Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, held on the South Lawn of the White House.
Controlled chaos is something Gaethje is well known for, and it has made him one of the sport’s most exciting fighters — and he has no reason to back off now. Before his championship victory at UFC Freedom 250, Gaethje spoke to us about his skyrocketing career and future in MMA:
You’ve spoken about this fight being one of your last big opportunities — how did you mentally prepare knowing so much was on the line?
Wrestling from such a young age put me in many one-on-one situations where I had to rely on myself. So, I believe in myself and understand through different mistakes and losses that it’s all about the work I do before the competition. Food, sleep, take each day and make it count. Trust in my body and my preparation to do what I need to do when the fight starts.
How much does your legacy and name in the sport factor into your training now compared to earlier in your career?
It’s always been an important reason why I do this. Similar to wrestling, it was never the money, it was always the legacy and challenge to accomplish being the best at something. It’s as important now as it was when I first started.
Which part of your game are you sharpening most before the next challenge?
I am working on my cardiovascular capacity to push my limits. MMA is a battle of attrition, so to be confident I can push myself for 45 minutes.
How do you balance being exciting for fans with executing a smart fight strategy?
Luckily, the way I compete is exciting. No matter which style of fighting.
How have you handled the added pressure/expectations that come with the spotlight shining brighter?
Knowing my opponent is facing the same things gives me the challenge to handle it and be as prepared as possible.
A Legacy of Champions
In 2010 at UNC, Gaethje became the first NCAA All-American in the program’s history since its return to Division I competition. He also earned the title of the Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week honors and was named to the All-Conference First Team.
Gaethje isn’t the only former UNC wrestler making waves in the MMA world. 2023 NCAA Division I National Champion Andrew Alirez, ‘25, needed just 43 seconds to win his professional MMA debut, defeating Bruce Martin in their 140-pound bout on April 25 in Loveland.
