UFC fighter Justin Gaethje visits RRHS

RIO RANCHO — UFC fighter Justin Gaethje visited Rio Rancho High School July 27 to speak to young wrestlers from Juggernaut Wrestling Club and RRHS.

“This school is a powerhouse. New Mexico and Arizona are my two homes for competition in wrestling when I was a kid. So, yeah, this brings back some cool memories,” Gaethje said.

Gaethje currently holds a 26-5 record and has wins against Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. He is also a former UFC interim lightweight champion and a former holder of the UFC belt given to honor fighters who embody toughness.

“I’ve always taken it one fight at a time, and I am still doing it to this day,” said Gaethje, who most recently won against Rafael Fiziev on March 8.

Before the UFC and his MMA career, Gaethje was an All-American wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado. Before college, Gaethje posted a 191-9 wrestling record while at Safford High School in Safford, Arizona.

“I thought it was just so cool,” said Juggernaut wrestler Jude Varela, who wrestles in the 61-pound class.

While on the RRHS wrestling mats, Gaethje participated in some practice, put the young wrestlers through some drills, and ended by speaking to all the wrestlers in attendance.

When speaking to the young wrestlers, Gaethje spoke about his college days and when he wrestled UFC fighters Georges St-Pierre, Clay Guida and even future opponent Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. He also mentioned that wrestling is still an important part of his UFC training regiment and talked about the importance of “holding yourself accountable, being honest.”

So, how did Gaethje end up at RRHS? Well, the event came together thanks to a lifelong friendship between Gaethje and Juggernaut Wrestling head coach Vicente Varela.

“I know Justin from wrestling years ago; we grew up wrestling. We’ve been around wrestling since we were little, and we have remained good friends,” Varela said, who is in the RRHS hall of fame. While at RRHS, Vicente was a four-time state champion, went 47-0 as a senior, and also wrestled for Arizona State.

Gaethje is in town as a special guest for the “APFC 18: New Mexico Fight Night” at Isleta Resort & Casino. APFC stands for the Anthony Pettis Fighting Championship, which is an MMA promotion founded former UFC fighter Anthony Pettis.

Before leaving RRHS, Gaethje signed autographs and took pictures with those in attendance.