How Did Gaethje Overcome Years Without Sight, Taste, or Smell?

UFC star Justin Gaethje recently underwent significant eye surgery that has transformed his vision, allowing him to see the world clearly for the first time. This breakthrough has come just in time for his highly anticipated fight against Britain's Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Gaethje's journey illustrates the profound impact of medical advancements on athletes, particularly those in high-contact sports where vision plays a crucial role in performance.

Last updated: 25 January 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Justin Gaethje prepares to face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, his recent eye surgery has become a focal point of discussion. Gaethje, who has struggled with vision issues for much of his career, finally received laser eye surgery after 16 professional fights. This surgery has not only improved his sight but has also enhanced his confidence and performance inside the octagon. With the fight scheduled for Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, fans are eager to see how Gaethje’s improved vision will impact his fighting style.

Key takeaways

• Justin Gaethje underwent laser eye surgery that corrected his vision issues.
• He struggled with depth perception due to being short-sighted in one eye and long-sighted in the other.
• Gaethje’s improved vision has reinvigorated his training and performance ahead of UFC 324.

Timeline: how we got here

Gaethje's path to improved vision has been a long journey marked by several key events:

• October 2022: Gaethje undergoes nose surgery to repair a damaged septum, which had affected his breathing and sense of taste.
• March 2023: Gaethje wins a decision against Rafael Fiziev, showcasing his skills despite ongoing vision challenges.
• January 2026: Gaethje finally undergoes laser eye surgery, correcting his vision and enhancing his depth perception.
• 25 January 2026: Gaethje is set to fight Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Gaethje's recent surgery has allowed him to see clearly for the first time in years. He has shared insights into how his newfound vision has changed his perception of everyday sights, such as spotting small details that he previously missed while driving.

What was already established

Before the surgery, Gaethje had been successful in his MMA career despite significant vision challenges. His background in wrestling allowed him to adapt his fighting style, relying on tactile feedback rather than visual cues. His striking ability, especially on the inside, has long been a hallmark of his fighting style, compensating for his depth perception issues.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The upcoming fight has generated considerable interest among UK fans, particularly as it showcases a British fighter, Paddy Pimblett. Viewers will be eager to see how Gaethje's enhanced abilities affect his performance, potentially influencing viewer engagement and pay-per-view sales.

Businesses and jobs

For sports promotions and businesses connected to the UFC, Gaethje's fight against Pimblett represents a significant opportunity for increased ticket sales and merchandise. The excitement surrounding the event could lead to higher demand for related services, from hospitality to event broadcasting.

Policy and regulation

The UFC operates under a strict regulatory framework, which includes medical screenings for fighters. Gaethje's surgery highlights the importance of health and safety regulations in combat sports and the ongoing advancements in medical care that can benefit athletes.

Numbers that matter

• 20: The number of Gaethje's 31 professional wins that have come by knockout, showcasing his striking power.
• 16: The number of fights Gaethje had before he could afford eye surgery, demonstrating the challenges many athletes face in accessing medical care.
• 37: Gaethje's age, highlighting that even seasoned athletes can benefit from medical advancements later in their careers.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Laser eye surgery: A medical procedure that uses lasers to correct vision problems, allowing for clearer eyesight.
• Depth perception: The ability to judge distances between objects, crucial for sports and everyday tasks.
• Interim lightweight title: A temporary championship title in the UFC, awarded when the reigning champion is unable to compete.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should watch for Gaethje's performance against Pimblett as an indicator of how his vision has changed his fighting style and capabilities. This fight could set the stage for future matchups based on his performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should Gaethje win, he may be positioned for a title shot against the current lightweight champion. His ongoing health and performance will be closely monitored as medical advancements continue to play a role in competitive sports.

Signals to watch

• Gaethje's performance metrics in the upcoming fight, including accuracy and knockdown rates.
• Fan engagement levels and viewership ratings for UFC 324, particularly in the UK.
• Any future announcements regarding Gaethje's health and potential title shots in the lightweight division.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about fighter health and medical advancements within sports.
• Engage with live broadcasts to follow important fight statistics and outcomes.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of vision on an athlete’s performance.
• Ignore the broader implications of health advancements in sports.

Checklist

• Research the fighters' backgrounds and previous performances.
• Check local listings for live viewing options for UFC 324.
• Follow updates on fighter health and any upcoming matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Gaethje's surgery has proven beneficial, it is important to note that surgical outcomes can vary and there may be long-term effects yet to be understood. Furthermore, the nature of MMA means that fighters face ongoing risks, regardless of their visual capabilities. Fans should remain aware that while medical advancements can improve performance, they do not eliminate all uncertainties associated with combat sports.

Bottom line

Justin Gaethje's successful eye surgery represents a significant milestone in his career, enhancing his performance as he prepares for a crucial fight against Paddy Pimblett. This development underscores the importance of health and medical advancements in sports, particularly in high-stakes environments like the UFC. As fans look forward to the fight, Gaethje's journey serves as a reminder of the critical role that vision plays in athletic performance.

FAQs

What vision problems did Justin Gaethje have?

Justin Gaethje experienced short-sightedness in one eye and long-sightedness in the other, which affected his depth perception throughout his career.

How has Gaethje's surgery impacted his fighting?

The surgery has greatly improved Gaethje's vision, allowing him to better gauge distance and enhance his striking accuracy.

What is the significance of the fight against Paddy Pimblett?

This fight is for the interim lightweight title, and it represents an important opportunity for both fighters to establish themselves in the division.