The Rise of the Justin Gaethje Meme: from Niche Mma Forums to Mainstream Tiktok
By Chloe Bennett
By late 2023, the meme underwent an algorithmic transformation. As MMA TikTok culture grew into a dominant force for fan engagement, younger creators began repurposing UFC press conference clips. TikTok's automated moderation systems strictly penalized videos containing medical terminology or slurs, prompting users to substitute the word "autism" with coded slang, predominantly "acoustic" or "restarted."
A formulaic video template emerged. The first half showed Gaethje blinking slowly, struggling through awkward small talk, or giving deadpan answers during UFC media days, accompanied by playful, whimsical background audio. The video then cut sharply to heavy synthwave or Brazilian phonk beats, displaying high-definition slow-motion footage of Gaethje starching Edson Barboza, folding Donald Cerrone, or landing his highlight head-kick knockout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July 2023.
These edits turned Gaethje into an ironic superhero. The narrative was simple: an awkward, quiet Midwestern wrestler who looks out of place in front of bright lights suddenly transforms into an apex predator the moment the Octagon door shuts. Search trends for "Justin Gaethje acoustic" spiked across short-form video platforms throughout late 2023 and early 2024, generating tens of millions of collective impressions.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
