Gaethje Stumps For Trump At Republican Convention

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje took the stage at the 2026 Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas this week to campaign for President Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Gaethje, who unified the lightweight title with a fourth-round corner stoppage of Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House card in June, delivered a speech comparing the political race to fighting, according to MMA Mania. "In fighting your last fight is how people remember you, but your next fight is the only one that matters," he told the crowd. "Everyone has to understand how important these elections are and we have to get out and vote."

Gaethje Warns Against Complacency After White House Win

The Arizona native drew a parallel between his own career mistakes and the political moment. "One mistake I've made in my career was becoming complacent while I was on a winning streak and forgetting how unforgiving my sport could be," Gaethje said, per the report. He warned that without the same passion shown in the last presidential election, Republicans risk losing momentum in congress.

Gaethje's appearance comes as polling data suggests Republicans face a difficult midterm cycle, with Trump's approval rating reportedly sitting at 38 percent. The Dallas convention was organised to reverse that trend and energise the base.

The lightweight champion closed his remarks by calling Trump "one of the greatest presidents in US history" and urging supporters to send Republican allies to congress. Gaethje's team said in August that he would take time off after the White House win before returning for another big fight, with a Topuria rematch among the possibilities.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC champion Justin Gaethje stumps for Trump in Texas