UFC lightweight champion Gaethje tees up for Barstool's Internet Invitational golf tournament

Justin Gaethje, the UFC lightweight champion, has been officially added to the roster for Barstool Sports’ Internet Invitational golf tournament, set to begin October 26 at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri. He joins a field of 64 participants drawn primarily from professional golf and the influencer world, alongside former NBA player Jason Williams and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden.

The tournament field is still being finalised, with players divided into teams. It has not yet been confirmed who will partner Gaethje in the competition.

Returning champions Brad Dalke and Francis Ellis are set to defend their title. The pair won the 2025 Internet Invitational alongside Cody Franke, who passed away before the series aired.

Gaethje is no stranger to the fairways. He has posted golf content on his YouTube channel and competed in several tournaments, including one hosted by fellow UFC lightweight Max Holloway in July. That same month he entered a celebrity golf event but did not finish inside the top 50.

The appearance reflects the extended downtime Gaethje faces as champion. He is not expected to make a title defence until some point in 2027, with a queue of contenders waiting — among them Holloway, Ilia Topuria (whom Gaethje defeated at UFC White House to claim the belt), and the current No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan.