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Recognizing Justin Ray Gaethje, Ultimate Fighting Championship Lightweight Champion of the World

Floor Speech

Date: July 6, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. HAMADEH of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with tremendous pride as an Arizonan to honor one of our own--a warrior, a champion, and a true example of the American Dream: Justin Ray Gaethje, the undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship Lightweight Champion of the World.

Born on November 14, 1988, Justin was raised in the hardworking town of Safford, Arizona. The son of a dedicated copper miner and his mother, Carolina, of Mexican descent from Sonora, he learned the values of discipline, sacrifice, and relentless grit from a young age. His father, John Ray Gaethje, worked for decades in the mines, and his mother instilled in him that same blue-collar work ethic that helped build Arizona and this Nation.

Justin started wrestling at age four. At Safford High School, he compiled a stellar 191-9 record, earned four state finals appearances, and brought home two Arizona state championships. That same toughness carried him through collegiate wrestling and into the world of professional Mixed Martial Arts. Known as ``The Highlight,'' Justin has thrilled fans worldwide with his fearless, all-action style, devastating leg kicks, and unbreakable warrior spirit. He does not back down from anyone--he runs toward the fight. That is exactly the kind of courage and toughness Arizona produces.

Last month, Justin captured the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship in historic fashion at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn, defeating Ilia Topuria to become the first fighter to unify the title after holding the interim belt multiple times.

A kid from Safford, Arizona, now standing as the undisputed king of the lightweight division--that is the American Dream in action. Justin represents the best of Arizona and the best of America: resilience, family loyalty, hard work, and the refusal to quit. In a time when too many seek the easy path, Justin reminds us what real excellence looks like.

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