Justin Gaethje is trading his MMA gloves for golf clubs as he prepares for an unusual competition outside the Octagon. The UFC lightweight champion will appear alongside professional golfers, online creators and former athletes in the second edition of the Internet Invitational.The Justin Gaethje Internet Invitational golf tournament appearance was confirmed on October 14, with the series scheduled to premiere on October 26. Gaethje joins a 64-player field competing for a $4 million prize pool while his next UFC title defense remains uncertain.
Justin Gaethje Confirmed for 2026 Internet Invitational
Gaethje is among the confirmed participants in the second Internet Invitational, a golf competition organized by Barstool Sports and its creator-golf partners. The tournament brings together experienced golfers, social media personalities and athletes from other sports.
Organizers revealed the lineup on Wednesday, October 14. Gaethje’s inclusion attracted attention because he currently holds the UFC lightweight championship and has regularly shared his interest in golf.
The competition took place at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, with filming completed earlier this year. Fans will begin watching the tournament on October 26, when the first episode premieres online.
Internet Invitational 2026 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
| Event | Internet Invitational Season 2 |
| UFC participant | Justin Gaethje |
| Venue | Big Cedar Lodge |
| Location | Ridgedale, Missouri |
| Participants | 64 |
| Prize pool | $4 million |
| First episode | October 26, 2026 |
| Final episode | November 12, 2026 |
| Release schedule | Mondays and Thursdays |
| Where to watch | YouTube |
The tournament features a team-based format, although Gaethje’s teammates have not been publicly identified in the reporting surrounding his announcement.
The event’s expanded field and increased prize money make this year’s competition significantly larger than its inaugural edition.
Who Will Justin Gaethje Compete Against?
Gaethje will share the tournament field with several recognizable figures from professional sports and online entertainment. Former NBA player Jason Williams and Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden are among the notable participants.
Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel is also included in the lineup. Their appearances give the tournament additional appeal beyond its established golf audience.
The field also features popular golf creators, including Grant Horvat, Rick Shiels and members of the Bryan Brothers golf community.
Returning Champions Will Also Participate
Brad Dalke and Francis Ellis will return after winning the inaugural Internet Invitational in 2025. They previously shared the championship with Cody Franke, who died before the first tournament’s episodes aired.
Their return adds continuity to the competition as organizers introduce a larger field and higher stakes.
Gaethje’s team assignment remains an important unanswered question. The tournament uses group competition, making his eventual teammates significant to how his appearance unfolds.
Justin Gaethje Has Played Golf Tournaments Before
Gaethje’s involvement is not a completely new direction for the UFC champion. He has developed a visible interest in golf and regularly shares videos of his rounds on his YouTube channel.
His golf content offers fans a different look at his personality outside professional fighting. Instead of preparing for exchanges inside the cage, Gaethje discusses shots, courses and the challenges of improving his game.
He also participated in a celebrity golf competition in July 2025, although he finished outside the top 50.
Gaethje Previously Joined Max Holloway’s Golf Event
Gaethje has also taken part in a golf event organized by fellow UFC star Max Holloway. The two fighters share a competitive history inside the Octagon, but golf provides a different setting for their rivalry.
Their involvement in golf reflects a growing trend among combat sports athletes who use their time between fights to pursue other interests.
For Gaethje, the sport has become a regular part of his public activities rather than an occasional celebrity appearance.
His latest tournament gives fans another opportunity to see how his competitive personality translates to a different sport.
Internet Invitational Prize Money Increases to $4 Million
The second Internet Invitational will feature a $4 million prize pool, a significant increase from the $1 million available during the inaugural competition.
The first tournament included 48 participants. Organizers expanded the field to 64 for the 2026 edition, bringing additional creators and celebrities into the event.
The increased prize money has attracted attention because the competition combines entertainment with meaningful financial stakes.
How Much Money Can Justin Gaethje Win?
The tournament’s total prize pool stands at $4 million. However, the available announcements do not establish how much Gaethje would personally receive if his team wins.
The competition involves multiple participants and team-based results, so individual payouts depend on the tournament’s prize distribution rules.
It would therefore be inaccurate to suggest that Gaethje is competing for the entire $4 million himself.His participation is confirmed, but his team assignment and individual prize prospects remain unclear.
When Can Fans Watch Justin Gaethje Play Golf?
The Internet Invitational’s second season premieres on Monday, October 26, 2026. Organizers plan to release six episodes across three YouTube channels.
New episodes will arrive every Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. ET. The final episode is scheduled for November 12.
Fans can watch through the Internet Invitational, Fore Play Golf and Bob Does Sports YouTube channels.
The competition was filmed before the public release schedule, meaning viewers will watch edited tournament coverage rather than a live event.
Why Is Justin Gaethje Playing Golf Instead of Fighting?
Gaethje has time available before his next expected UFC championship appearance. Current reporting indicates that he is unlikely to defend his lightweight title until sometime in 2027.
That schedule leaves room for activities outside his regular training and fight preparation. Golf has already become one of his most visible interests.
However, his participation in the Internet Invitational should not be interpreted as a break from professional MMA or a sign of retirement.
Gaethje remains the UFC lightweight champion, and the promotion has not officially announced his next title defense.
Justin Gaethje’s UFC Lightweight Title Future Remains Uncertain
Gaethje (27-5) captured the UFC lightweight championship after defeating Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House event in June 2026.
The victory marked another major achievement for the American, who has spent years competing against the lightweight division’s leading fighters.
His championship success has created several potential matchups, but the UFC has not confirmed his next opponent.
Could Justin Gaethje Face Max Holloway Next?
Max Holloway remains one of the notable names connected with Gaethje’s future. Their previous encounter at UFC 300 ended with Holloway delivering a dramatic last-second knockout.
A rematch would attract considerable attention because of their history and aggressive fighting styles. However, the promotion has not announced another meeting.
Holloway’s own schedule and the lightweight title picture will influence whether the matchup becomes realistic.
Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan Are Also Potential Opponents
Ilia Topuria remains another significant name in the lightweight division following his loss to Gaethje. A rematch could provide an opportunity for him to pursue the championship again.
Arman Tsarukyan is also among the leading contenders awaiting a major title opportunity. His grappling and overall MMA skills would present a different challenge for Gaethje.
All three names remain possible opponents rather than confirmed bookings.
Readers can follow the UFC lightweight rankings and the latest Ilia Topuria next fight updates for further developments.
What Does Gaethje’s Golf Appearance Mean for His UFC Career?
Gaethje’s appearance in the Internet Invitational highlights his growing interests outside combat sports. He has spent much of his professional career building a reputation for aggressive performances and memorable finishes.
Golf provides a different competitive environment, where patience and precision matter more than physical exchanges.
The tournament also allows him to reach audiences who may not regularly follow the UFC. His participation alongside established golf creators introduces him to another sports community.
For now, there is no indication that the event will interfere with his next championship defense. The competition was filmed earlier in the year, and Gaethje’s UFC return remains unannounced.
Fans can monitor upcoming UFC events for official fight announcements.
Final Thoughts
The Justin Gaethje Internet Invitational golf tournament appearance gives UFC fans an opportunity to see the lightweight champion competing in a different sport.
Gaethje joins a 64-player field featuring professional golfers, internet personalities and former athletes. The tournament offers a $4 million prize pool and will premiere on YouTube on October 26.
His participation comes while the UFC considers its next lightweight championship matchup. With a title defense not expected until 2027, Gaethje has an opportunity to enjoy another competition before returning to the Octagon.
FAQs
Is Justin Gaethje playing in the Internet Invitational golf tournament?
Yes. Justin Gaethje is a confirmed participant in the 2026 Internet Invitational alongside professional golfers, content creators and other sports personalities.
When does the Internet Invitational 2026 start?
The first episode premieres on October 26, 2026. The competition was filmed earlier in the year at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri.
How much is the Internet Invitational prize money?
The second Internet Invitational features a $4 million total prize pool, compared with $1 million in 2025.
Where can fans watch Justin Gaethje’s golf tournament?
Fans can watch the episodes on the Internet Invitational, Fore Play Golf and Bob Does Sports YouTube channels.
When will Justin Gaethje fight in the UFC again?
Gaethje’s next UFC title defense has not been officially announced. Current reporting suggests he may not return to defend the lightweight championship until 2027.
