Since making the switch over to the UFC, Justin Gaethje has been one of the most entertaining fighters to grace the octagon. Nicknamed ‘The Highlight’ for a reason, Gaethje continues to stun fans each time he steps into the cage, but his time competing is almost done.
As he continues on his journey to capture undisputed UFC gold, the 37-year-old is already considered by many to be a legend of the sport. He may not hold the same accolades as some of his peers, but the Arizona native will forever be remembered as a man who was incapable of having a boring fight.
Much of the success he has earned throughout his career, Justin Gaethje attributes to his parents, who have been by his side since the very beginning.
“I just have the most amazing parents,” Gaethje said. “The fact that they’re so, the unconditional love, the unconditional support that they have given me and shown me through my whole life is something that I wish every child could experience.”
“I think it allows me to be so free, you know. My family is so loving. So supportive, all my coaches.”
Despite still having the ability to compete at the highest level, Justin Gaethje confirmed that 2026 will be his final year in the sport.
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As he slowly approaches his 40th birthday, Gaethje believes now is a good time to settle down and have children once his UFC career has come to an end.
“I don’t have kids,” Gaethje continued. “I’ve never been married. I’ve been committed to the game since I left high school in 2007. And I do want children. I want children, but I don’t want children until I can be what my parents were for me.”
“So, I’m almost done with this ride. I think, definitely by 2027, I will be done, and I will be able to move on to those other parts of my life… For one, I can’t find a girl that I trust to have kids with. But outside that, I’ve been so committed to training.”
“I think that’s a reason why I feel just as much hunger and just as much fire in me is because I’m still on the same path as I was when I was a little kid.”
Justin Gaethje plans to leave the sport by 2027 😢"I do want children, but I don't want children until I can be what my parents were for me. I'm almost done with this ride. I think definitely by 2027 I will be done. I will be able to move on to those other parts of my life."… pic.twitter.com/dT1cm6f832
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 21, 2026
