18-Year-Old Justin Gaethje Once Pulled Off Incredible Feat Against Georges St-Pierre

Several fighters in the UFC have made their mark due to their exceptional skill and fighting prowess. These fighters go into the Octagon fearlessly and put up a fight that entertains fans. UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje is known for his warrior spirit and bloody battles. He recently spoke about his experience wrestling with UFC legend Georges St-Pierre during his early training sessions.

Gaethje was recently featured on the “HOTWASH” podcast by Born Primitive Tactical. He discussed various topics, including training camps, fighter mental health and discipline, and shared a few stories from the early part of his career. He reminisced about his college wrestling days and shared a story about grappling with St-Pierre during the UFC legend’s visit to his college.

I was in college wrestling, and I told my coaches, and they brought in some UFC fighters, and I took them down. Georges St-Pierre, took him down when I was probably eighteen, and he was a champion at that time.

Justin Gaethje via HOTWASH

Gaethje was a three-time NCAA qualifier and ranked 14th in the NCAA RPI in 2010. He was a standout wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado, competing at a high level and facing future MMA stars. His early UFC bouts helped shape his aggressive yet disciplined approach. These formative years provided the tools that would later define his fighting style.

‘The Highlight’ is known for his explosive knockout power and durable chin. However, he was knocked out by striking specialists Dustin Poirier and Eddie Alvarez early on in his career. He avenged his loss to Poirier at UFC 291 when he was able to successfully knock out the ‘Diamond’ with a vicious head kick. His most vicious loss was at UFC 300 when he was outclassed and knocked out cold by Max Holloway.

Gaethje has become a headline-making fighter and is known for delivering Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors. He has faced top contenders in the lightweight division, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, for lightweight gold. His pace, knockout power, and willingness to engage in striking wars have solidified him as one of the sport’s most exciting talents.

The story of a teenage Gaethje facing Georges St-Pierre offers a unique connection between MMA generations. While GSP went on to become a legendary champion and Gaethje a dangerous force in the UFC, their brief encounter symbolizes how early wrestling encounters can foreshadow future greatness.

Dana White weighs in on Justin Gaethje’s retirement claims

Justin Gaethje remains one of the most talked-about names in the lightweight division, not just for his highlight-reel knockouts but also for his outspoken personality. His aggressive style and willingness to take risks have made him a fan favorite while keeping him in constant contention for the title picture. Lately, his path has been defined as much by controversy as by his thrilling performances.

Gaethje scored a decisive win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. That victory fueled his calls for a lightweight title shot, with the fighter insisting he had done enough to deserve one. Instead, the UFC moved forward with Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt. The decision left Gaethje openly frustrated and voicing his displeasure through both interviews and his management team.