Fight Overview: Gaethje vs Pimblett
Justin Gaethje has made it clear he’s ready to “teach some lessons” to Paddy Pimblett when they face off for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas this Saturday.
Despite being the underdog, the 37-year-old Gaethje thrives under pressure and plans to drag Pimblett into the later rounds. Pimblett, 31, has confidently predicted a finish within three rounds, calling Gaethje a “boxer with leg kicks.”
“I hope he's overconfident in himself, just like I was when I was 30 years old, so I can teach him some lessons,” Gaethje told BBC Sport.
He added, “This is 25 minutes in time. Nothing from the past, nothing from the future can determine it. It's about being perfect.”
Fighter Profiles
Justin Gaethje
Age: 37
UFC Experience: Over 8 years in the promotion
Strengths: Striking, pressure fighting, underdog mindset
Weaknesses: Known for grappling vulnerabilities
Gaethje is no stranger to title fights, having previously held the interim lightweight belt in 2020. Known for his explosive style, he thrives when opponents underestimate him. He says Pimblett’s unpredictability makes him a fun challenge:
“He's weird. But in a good way. He goes left when you're supposed to go right.”
Paddy Pimblett
Age: 31
UFC Experience: 7 fights
Strengths: Aggressive striking, mental gamesmanship
Weaknesses: Less experienced at title-level competition
Pimblett is famous for getting into his opponents’ heads, and he believes he can retire Gaethje with a dominant performance. He’s confident, vocal, and ready to capitalize on his fast-paced style.
Pre-Fight Predictions
Gaethje envisions taking Pimblett into later rounds, looking to exploit mistakes and test endurance. Pimblett, meanwhile, predicts an early finish and is eager to assert dominance quickly.
“I just have to turn his lights off for one second,” Gaethje said about his finishing plan.
Experts suggest the fight could hinge on grappling exchanges and cardio endurance.
Gaethje reacts to Pimblett prediction
UFC 324 Full Fight Card & Timings
Main Card (02:00 GMT, 25 January)
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Interim Lightweight Title (5x5min)
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong – Bantamweight (3x5min)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis – Heavyweight
Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas – Flyweight
Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva – Featherweight
Preliminary Card (00:00 GMT, 25 January)
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo – Bantamweight
Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas – Light-Heavyweight
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev – Middleweight
Key Takeaways
Gaethje thrives as the underdog and plans a calculated, late-round attack.
Pimblett relies on speed, aggression, and mental pressure.
UFC 324 promises a high-stakes, unpredictable interim lightweight clash.
Fighters’ past experiences may be less relevant than performance on fight night.
FAQs
Q1: When is UFC 324 taking place?
A1: Main card begins at 02:00 GMT on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Q2: Who holds the interim lightweight title currently?
A2: The title is vacant; this fight will crown the new interim champion.
Q3: Where can I watch the fight live?
A3: BBC Sport website and app will provide live text commentary from 03:00 GMT.
Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje is shaping up to be a thrilling UFC 324 showdown. Whether you’re betting, analyzing, or just watching for the love of MMA, this fight promises action, drama, and unforgettable moments. Explore more fighter insights on our MMA and events coverage
