This is not an official government website.
© 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Abraham J. Hamadeh. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
Issued
July 6, 2026
house side of the record
People
1
Linked members mentioned in this section
Legislation
0
No linked legislation in this section
Committees
0
No linked committees in this section
Senate Holds
0
No hold activity linked here
Source Document
Connected Data
People mentioned
1 Helpful Term
Extensions of Remarks
Material lawmakers submit for the official record even when it was not spoken live on the floor.
Source Control
Reader mode is for comprehension. The linked government PDF is the official published source.
Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextRECOGNIZING 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.
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.
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.
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.