Paddy Pimblett And Justin Gaethje Set For Explosive UFC 324 Showdown

The glitz and energy of Las Vegas are ready to host one of the most anticipated showdowns in recent UFC history, as Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje prepare to clash for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. With the T-Mobile Arena set to erupt, this fight is not just about championship gold—it's a pivotal moment for both men and the entire UFC lightweight division.

Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, the 31-year-old sensation from Liverpool, is on the cusp of making history. On a seven-fight winning streak since joining the UFC in 2021, Pimblett has captured the imagination of fans worldwide with his charisma, community involvement, and relentless fighting style. His journey from the local gyms of Liverpool to the sport's grandest stage has been anything but straightforward. Reflecting on his path, Pimblett told ESPN, "Half my lifetime, isn't it? It's literally half my lifetime. So, it's probably long time coming." He added, "I've always said that I'm going to be a UFC world champion and once it got signed by the promotion, I knew it was inevitable."

But Pimblett's rise hasn't been without adversity. After a tough title defeat in Cage Warriors and a subsequent hand surgery, he endured a period of depression, even contemplating giving up on his dream. Yet, resilience won out. "I was so down, but I've always said that I'm going to be a UFC world champion...to do it and to prove the people right who've supported me the whole time and prove all the doubt is wrong is going to be some feeling," Pimblett shared with ESPN.

Now, as he stands on the brink of becoming Liverpool's first UFC title holder, Pimblett faces the toughest test of his career: Justin Gaethje. Gaethje, 37, is a legend in his own right—a former interim lightweight and symbolic "BMF" champion, celebrated for his action-packed fights and fan-first mentality. With a record of 26-5 in MMA and 9-5 in the UFC, Gaethje is no stranger to high-stakes battles, having authored unforgettable wars against the likes of Michael Chandler and Max Holloway.

Gaethje's coach, Trevor Wittman, summed up his legacy to ESPN: "His goal when he first got with me was: 'Every time I fight, when you buy a pay-per-view or a ticket to the arena, you're going to be so grateful that you bought that ticket.' He's done that." But for all his accolades, the undisputed title has eluded Gaethje. Now, with whispers of retirement should he fall short, the stakes couldn't be higher. As CBS Sports reported, "Gaethje said publicly over the past year that he would only continue fighting if it was for a title."

This bout also marks a new era for the UFC, as UFC 324 becomes the first numbered event to air on Paramount+ in the U.S., ending the long-standing pay-per-view model. The organization is banking on Pimblett's star power and Gaethje's reputation to kick off this broadcast partnership with a bang. The main event is just one highlight of a stacked card, but it's the Pimblett-Gaethje showdown that has everyone talking.

The lead-up to the fight has seen no shortage of bold predictions and psychological warfare. Pimblett, never one to shy away from a challenge, declared to BBC Sport, "I don't see Justin getting past the third round. Justin's a brawler. He's a boxer—a boxer with leg kicks—and doesn't really grapple much at all." He doubled down on his confidence in an interview with ESPN, predicting, "This is what you've always wanted to do. You want to fight these people that you've always looked up to and, it's sad to say, but I think I'm going to retire him, you know what I mean?" Pimblett even envisions a quick finish, stating, "Over in two minutes," if he gets Gaethje on the ground, and, "I've got a funny feeling when I knock him out, which a lot of people are laughing at me for, but I've got a feeling I'm going to knock him out."

Pimblett's record supports his brashness—three of his seven UFC victories have come by submission, two by knockout, and he's collected five Performance of the Night bonuses. His recent TKO win over Michael Chandler has only fueled his momentum, though some, like former interim champion Dustin Poirier, remain skeptical. Poirier, speaking on "The Ariel Helwani Show," predicted, "I think Justin stops him," citing Gaethje's experience in grueling 25-minute fights. Poirier added, "I think Paddy is going to have a tough time stopping him on the feet, and I don't think Paddy is going to get him down, so he's going to have to fight with him. Unless Paddy can keep it disciplined for 25 minutes, keep his distance, picks his shots, Justin is just a bigger puncher, and he'll put himself in harm's way to land one of those shots. It's tough to stay away from for 25 minutes."

Meanwhile, the backdrop to this interim title fight is the uncertain status of reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria, who won the title in June 2025, is currently on hiatus due to personal issues following his divorce. Pimblett has been vocal about the situation, telling BBC Sport, "If Ilia is not back by June-July, I think I'll become undisputed." Topuria, for his part, announced plans on social media to return in April or June to face the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett. The lightweight division, already bustling with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway, finds itself at a crossroads. Pimblett, addressing criticism about his title shot, said, "It makes sense given the situation. We don't know when Topuria is coming back and we can't hold the division up. There's been interim belts made for less. They know we aren't boring. We want to entertain and it's what we'll do for however long we last."

Beyond the main event, UFC 324 will also feature pivotal bouts in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions. Natalia Silva, riding a 13-fight win streak, looks to cement her status as the next flyweight title challenger, while middleweight prospect Ateba Gautier is tipped as a future star. But all eyes remain fixed on the lightweight title fight—a contest that promises fireworks, legacy-defining moments, and perhaps the crowning of a new era's face.

As the countdown to UFC 324 continues, anticipation builds for a battle that could reshape the lightweight landscape. Will Pimblett fulfill his destiny and bring UFC gold back to Liverpool? Or will Gaethje, the beloved "Highlight," seize his last, best chance at glory? The answers will unfold under the bright lights of Las Vegas, where history is waiting to be written.