Justin Gaethje started fighting in the UFC in the summer of 2017, making his promotional debut on July 7, 2017, against Michael Johnson at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale.

Quick Scoop: Justin Gaethje’s UFC Start

  • Justin Gaethje signed with the UFC in early May 2017 after leaving World Series of Fighting, where he was their lightweight champion.
  • His UFC debut was on July 7, 2017 (often listed on cards dated July 7 or 8 depending on location and broadcast), versus veteran Michael Johnson.
  • Gaethje won that debut by TKO in the second round in a wild back-and-forth fight that immediately boosted his reputation as one of the most exciting lightweights.

Timeline Before and After His UFC Debut

  • Pro MMA debut: August 20, 2011, on the regional circuit.
  • Major-league run before UFC: Signed with World Series of Fighting in December 2012, became their lightweight champion and defended the belt multiple times.
  • UFC signing: Officially announced May 4, 2017, when he vacated his WSOF title to join the promotion.
  • UFC debut: July 7, 2017, vs Michael Johnson at TUF: Redemption Finale, winning by TKO (punches and knees) in round two.

Why That Debut Still Gets Talked About

Fans and forums still bring up that fight because:

  • It instantly showed Gaethje’s ultra-aggressive, pressure-heavy style on a big stage.
  • The bout earned post-fight bonuses and is frequently mentioned among the more chaotic lightweight fights of that era.
  • It set the tone for his UFC run: lots of knockouts, lots of bonuses, and a “must-watch TV” reputation.

Mini FAQ

Q: So, when did Justin Gaethje start in the UFC exactly?
A: He started in the UFC on July 7, 2017, when he debuted against Michael Johnson at The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale.

Q: How long had he been a pro before that?
A: Almost six years as a pro, since his debut on August 20, 2011.

Trending context: As of recent years, Gaethje has remained a top lightweight contender, stacking “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses and staying in big-name matchups on major UFC cards.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.