No.4 UFC Lightweight Traded His Ferrari for $400K Prize After Celebrity Challenge Victory
Justin Gaethje may be best known for his wars inside the UFC Octagon, but the No.3-ranked lightweight contender just proved he’s just as dangerous on the water and the golf course.
Appearing on the latest episode of Celebrity Surf Series, Gaethje pulled back the curtain on a jaw-dropping payday that had nothing to do with fighting.
“I won a [ f*** ] Ferrari,” he said. “I traded it for $400,000. So I really won 400K yesterday.”
According to Gaethje, the high-stakes competition featured 50 celebrities and 50 fans.
Despite the odds, he took second place overall and the prize? A Ferrari he wasted no time flipping for nearly half a million dollars.
Gaethje Sets Sights on Ilia Topuria
With Ilia Topuria knocking out Charles Oliveira to become the new UFC lightweight champion at UFC 317, the title picture has shifted dramatically. And Gaethje, who was cageside for that event, is ready to make his move.
“Topuria is the big name right now. He’s cocky. I’d love to knock him out,” Gaethje said.
Despite being in attendance, Gaethje was surprisingly left out of Topuria’s post-fight mentions. The Georgian champion instead focused on Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan two fighters Gaethje sees as less deserving of a title shot.
The snub didn’t go unnoticed.
Gaethje Believes He Is the Next Legitimate Contender in Line for the Title Shot
Gaethje’s resume speaks volumes. With career-defining wins over Dustin Poirier, Rafael Fiziev, Tony Ferguson, and Michael Chandler, he’s proven that he’s not just one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history he’s also one of the most dangerous.
And while Gaethje admits he’s “always wrong” when placing bets, there’s no uncertainty in who he wants next.
“I don’t care who wins. I just want to fight the winner,” he said about the lightweight title. “Hopefully in November at Madison Square Garden.”
READ MORE: Ilia Topuria made this promise to UFC before winning lightweight title
“I’d Love to Knock Topuria Out at MSG,” Says Gaethje
The UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden this November is expected to be a blockbuster card — and Gaethje is already planting his flag.
The matchup between Gaethje and Topuria is a dream scenario.
Gaethje’s brutal leg kicks, relentless pace, and knockout power versus Topuria’s sharp boxing and unbeaten record would be an instant fan-favorite.
And if Topuria wants to cement his legacy, taking out Gaethje might be the final boss test he needs.
Until then, Gaethje will keep doing what he does best: betting on himself, racking up wins, and staying ready.
Because as he said himself:
“If you are prepared, you shall not fear.”
