Biography(references)His paternal grandfather boxed while serving in the United States Army. Gaethje's father Ray retired as a copper miner in September 2019, after 36 years working at the Morenci mine. He also has a twin brother, Marcus John Gaethje, who worked at the Morenci mine for almost 10 years. Gaethje recalled that as he was about to leave the mine to attend university, two of his co-workers told him, "You'll be right back, you ain't gonna make it in college. You'll be right back here."
Combat ApproachDespite his elite wrestling pedigree, he rarely looks for takedowns, instead preferring an entertaining stand-up fighting style. In a 2020 ESPN interview, Gaethje stated he realized after transitioning from wrestling to mixed martial arts that, while winning was still important, entertaining the fans could earn him more money. Although he is still a pressure fighter, Wittman said that Gaethje now takes fewer risks and is more selective about when to trade punches.
Fighter Trivia(references)Gaethje holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from the University of Northern Colorado. Dan Hardy stated on Inside the Octagon that before the surgery Gaethje's "eyesight was so bad that he actually had to physically be in contact with his opponent to know what he was hitting." Gaethje praised Trump for his role in the UFC's early development, saying "He’s a reason that the UFC is here."
Awards & Accolades
National Collegiate Athletic Association: NCAA Division I All-American out of the University of Northern Colorado (2010)
National Collegiate Athletic Association: 2010 NCAA Division I 157 lb Championship – 7th Place
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