[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 111 (Monday, July 6, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E652-E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING JUSTIN RAY GAETHJE, ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 
                   LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. ABRAHAM J. HAMADEH

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 6, 2026

  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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