Safford presents key to the city to Justin Gaethje

Safford Mayor Richard Ortega, second from left, presented the key to the city to UFC fighter and native son Justin Gaethje, second from right, during a special ceremony Friday, July 5, 2024. Joining in the presentation are Justin's parents, Carolina and Ray. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Posted By: David Bell July 5, 2024

SAFFORD — A mural, grand marshal in the parade, a golf tournament named after him and now a key to the city — it’s been a very good week for Justin Gaethje.

The City of Safford presented its first key to the City to the UFC lightweight fighter Friday afternoon.

“It felt amazing to have my parents here (and) all my family,” Gaethje said. “I brought some of my coaches and teammates down from Colorado, so for them to all be here for me and with me when I receive such a great honor to represent my city.”

In presenting the key, Mayor Richard Ortega said Gaethje has been an amazing ambassador for the city as Geathje travels the world with the UFC.

“You exemplify the best of our citizens when you’re away on your own and out there. We appreciate everything that you have done for us,” Ortega said.

Ben Charrington, one of Gaethje’s coaches in both college and as a professional, was the guest speaker and talked about Gaethje’s drive and perseverance to be the best while staying grounded.

“The success, the money, the fame, none of it has changed him. He values his family, his coaches, his friends, those closest to him, and he has tremendous pride in where he came from, this great little town of Safford, Ariz.,” Charrington said.

Ben Charrington, one of Gaethje’s coaches in both college and as a professional, praises Gaethje’s work ethic, which Charrington said came from Gaethje’s upbringing in Safford.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Gaethje was a two-time high school state wrestling champion at Safford High School, and an All-American wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado. He was the undefeated WSOF Lightweight champion before moving to the UFC, where he earned the Interim UFC Lightweight championship in 2020.

On Tuesday, July 2, Gaethje cut the Graham County Chamber of Commerce ribbon for the Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje portrait mural created by artist Brandt Woods on the Ginaveve’s Market Place building, commissioned by John and Jenny Howard with support from numerous sponsors.

Wednesday, Gaethje hosted the annual Boys & Girls Club of the Gila Valley fund-raising golf tournament, raising more than $30,000 for the club that he was member of when he was a child.

And on Thursday, July 4, Gaethje served as the grand marshal of the Safford Lions Club Fourth of July Parade.

He also signed hundreds of autographs and posed for numerous photos with everyone who asked throughout the week.

UFC fighter Justin Gaethje, center, is congratulated on being given the Safford key to the city by the event’s master of ceremonies, Lee Patterson, of KATO AM 1230 radio. Patterson announced Gaethje’s games when he played football for Safford High School. Looking on is Safford City Councilman Michael Andazola, right.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Comments

comments