Imagine stepping into the Octagon with some of the most fearsome strikers in MMA history—and not just surviving, but thriving. Justin Gaethje has done exactly that, and now, as he prepares for UFC 324, he’s reflecting on the three hardest-hitting opponents he’s ever faced. Spoiler alert: one of them is someone he knocked out in just 87 seconds. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this upcoming fight against Paddy Pimblett be a mismatch, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
Ahead of his showdown with ‘The Baddy’ for the interim lightweight title in Las Vegas, Gaethje—affectionately known as ‘The Highlight’—is no stranger to high-stakes battles. With a 31-fight career that reads like a who’s who of MMA legends, he’s shared the Octagon with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway. For Pimblett, this is the biggest fight of his career, but for Gaethje, it’s just another day at the office—a testament to his battle-hardened resume.
But here’s the part most people miss: Gaethje recently revealed his top three hardest-hitting opponents, and the list is as surprising as it is revealing. Unsurprisingly, Max Holloway tops the list after delivering a faceplant KO at UFC 300 in April 2024—the only time Gaethje has ever been ‘put to sleep.’ Michael Johnson takes the second spot, thanks to two devastating shots during Gaethje’s UFC debut in July 2017 that somehow didn’t end the fight early. And in a twist that’s sure to spark debate, the third spot goes to a fighter Gaethje knocked out in just 87 seconds—James Vick, whose liver kick left Gaethje reeling before the inevitable finish.
‘Max Holloway is definitely number one,’ Gaethje admitted. ‘It’s the first and only time I’ve been put to sleep.’ He also praised Johnson’s power, saying, ‘I don’t know how I didn’t go down after those shots.’ As for Vick, Gaethje recalled, ‘He kicked me in the liver really good. It’s the weirdest shots that hurt in there. I was like, ‘Uh-oh.’’
Now, the big question: Is UFC 324 a mismatch? One TalkingPoints user believes Gaethje will dominate Pimblett, but is it that simple? Eddie Alvarez, the first man to beat Gaethje (via a brutal knee in December 2017), thinks otherwise. Despite being left off Gaethje’s hardest hitters list, Alvarez has offered his former rival some advice: focus on the calf kick. ‘Justin’s calf kick is devastating,’ Alvarez said on his YouTube channel. ‘If he keeps bombing that leg kick, it’ll shut Paddy down and nullify his attacks. You might even see him limp or switch stances. From there, Justin can use his superior boxing speed and precision.’
But here’s the controversial take: Is Alvarez’s advice a game-changer, or is he underestimating Pimblett’s ability to adapt? And does Gaethje’s history of facing—and overcoming—hard-hitting opponents make him the most exciting fighter in UFC history? We want to hear from you. Join the debate in the comments below and let us know your thoughts.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly digest of the best Bloody Elbow content delivered straight to your inbox!
