The $400,000 Question: Why Justin Gaethje Traded His Ferrari 812 GTS For Immediate Cash

The story of Justin Gaethje’s Ferrari is not about a fighter adding a luxury car to his collection; it’s a masterclass in financial pragmatism and a viral moment that perfectly encapsulates the "money-over-status" mindset of a seasoned professional athlete. As of December 14, 2025, the UFC's "Highlight" is making headlines not for a knockout, but for a swift, decisive move outside the Octagon: winning a nearly $400,000 Ferrari 812 GTS at the star-studded Fanatics Games and immediately flipping it for a massive cash payout. This move generated significant buzz, with fans debating whether it was a brilliant financial decision or a missed opportunity for a flashy prize. The truth, according to Gaethje himself, is simple: he didn't win a car, he won $400,000. This highly publicized "trade" occurred at the inaugural Fanatics Games competition, which pitted professional athletes and celebrities against fans in a series of unique, sports-themed challenges. Gaethje's quick decision to pocket the cash instead of keeping the Italian supercar is a rare glimpse into the financial strategy of the BMF champion, proving his moniker "The Highlight" applies just as much to his business acumen as it does to his fighting style.

Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje: Biography and Professional Profile

Justin Gaethje, widely regarded as one of the most exciting and violent fighters in mixed martial arts history, has built a career on high-risk, high-reward performances. His journey from an accomplished NCAA Division I wrestler to a global UFC superstar is marked by an unparalleled commitment to action.

• Full Name: Justin Ray Gaethje
• Nickname: The Highlight
• Date of Birth: November 14, 1988
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 37
• Nationality: American
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs)
• Fighting Style: Wrestling, Kickboxing, Brawling
• Professional MMA Record: [Current Record, e.g., 25 Wins, 5 Losses]
• UFC Debut: July 7, 2017
• Major Titles:
  • Current UFC BMF (Baddest Motherf**ker) Champion (Won at UFC 291)
  • Former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion
  • Former WSOF Lightweight Champion (Undefeated run)
• Current UFC Ranking: Top 5 in the Lightweight Division
• Notable Opponents: Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Michael Chandler.

The Fanatics Games: How Gaethje Won the Ferrari 812 GTS

The "Ferrari trade" saga began at the high-profile Fanatics Games, a new and highly anticipated competition held during the Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at the Javits Center. The event, spearheaded by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, featured a $2 million total prize pool and brought together 50 professional athletes, celebrities, and influencers to compete against 50 fans in various sports challenges.

Gaethje, known for his incredible athleticism and competitive nature, was a last-minute addition to the roster but quickly proved his mettle. He competed against a field of stars that included NFL legend Tom Brady, NBA icons like LeBron James, and celebrities such as Tiffany Haddish. The competition tested a range of skills, from throwing accuracy to speed and agility. Gaethje demonstrated that his elite athleticism translates across multiple sporting disciplines, securing a dominant second-place finish overall.

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While Tom Brady took the top prize of $1 million in cash, Justin Gaethje's second-place finish secured him the grand automotive prize: a spectacular Ferrari 812 GTS. The 812 GTS is a coveted Italian V12-powered convertible, known for its breathtaking performance and a retail price that hovers between $321,000 and $400,000, depending on specifications and market value. For most, this would be a dream acquisition, a centerpiece for any luxury car collection. For Gaethje, however, it was simply a valuable asset ripe for liquidation.

The Smartest "Trade" in MMA: $400,000 in Cold Hard Cash

The moment that shocked the sports world was Gaethje's almost immediate decision to "trade" the keys for a substantial sum of money. Speaking shortly after the event, Gaethje confirmed the transaction, stating with his characteristic straightforwardness: "I won a f***ing Ferrari. I traded it for $400,000. So I really won $400,000 yesterday."

This decision highlights a crucial difference between prize money and prize assets. While a Ferrari 812 GTS is a magnificent machine, it comes with significant financial liabilities that an athlete like Gaethje, who is focused on long-term financial stability, is keen to avoid. The hidden costs of owning a high-end exotic car, especially a Ferrari, are substantial. These costs include:

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• Depreciation: While some Ferraris appreciate, the initial depreciation on a new model can be significant, rapidly eroding the prize's value.
• Taxes: Winning a car, even as a prize, triggers a massive tax liability. The winner is responsible for paying income tax on the fair market value of the vehicle, which, in this case, would be on the full $400,000.
• Maintenance and Insurance: The annual cost for specialized maintenance, high-octane fuel, and comprehensive insurance for a V12 supercar is astronomical, easily running into tens of thousands of dollars per year.

By immediately taking the $400,000 cash, Gaethje achieved several critical financial goals. He bypassed the complexities of luxury car ownership, secured a liquid asset, and gained the flexibility to invest or spend the money as he chooses, potentially on more practical vehicles or long-term investments. This decision is in line with the financial advice often given to high-earning athletes: prioritize cash flow and avoid unnecessary liabilities.

The Contrast: Gaethje's Real Car Collection vs. the Ferrari

Gaethje’s existing, far more practical car collection further explains his quick decision to offload the Ferrari. Unlike many of his celebrity peers who flaunt garages full of exotics, Gaethje’s personal vehicles are known for their utility and reliability. His reported collection includes a Nissan Titan XD pickup truck and a Subaru WRX STI. These vehicles are rugged, dependable, and perfectly suited for the Colorado lifestyle where he trains and resides. The stark contrast between a practical, all-weather Nissan truck and a temperamental, high-maintenance Ferrari 812 GTS highlights Gaethje's grounded personality.

The $400,000 cash prize, when compared to his typical fight purses, is a significant windfall. While Gaethje commands substantial paydays for his main event and title fights—such as his BMF title victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291—a guaranteed, tax-free (after the initial sale) cash prize of this magnitude is a powerful financial boost. It is a testament to his discipline and financial intelligence that he prioritized the guaranteed cash over the temporary prestige of owning one of the world's most desirable cars.

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In the end, Justin Gaethje’s “trade” of the Ferrari 812 GTS for cash at the Fanatics Games 2025 is more than just a sports story; it’s a lesson in financial acumen. He chose liquidity over liability, a move that secured his finances and earned him a new level of respect from fans who appreciate his no-nonsense approach to life, both inside and outside the UFC Lightweight Division.