Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett Battle for Interim Lightweight Title
The upcoming UFC 324 event will showcase an intense interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The match is set to take place on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Event Details
UFC CEO Dana White announced the fight during an NFL game. This event will kick off the UFC’s new domestic broadcasting deal with Paramount+. The main card is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET.
Interim Title Context
Ilia Topuria, the current undisputed lightweight champion, is taking time off for personal reasons, prompting the UFC to introduce an interim title. Topuria stated on social media, “I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year… I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.”
Fighter Backgrounds
Justin Gaethje, age 37, holds a professional record of 26 wins and 5 losses. He has not fought since a victory over Rafael Fiziev in March. Gaethje previously earned a title shot in 2023 but faced a setback in 2024 with a loss to Max Holloway.
Paddy Pimblett, 30, has rapidly ascended in the UFC since his debut in 2021. The Liverpool native boasts a record of 23 wins and 3 losses, including impressive victories over notable fighters such as Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler.
Expected Title Showdown
The winner of the Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight will be slated to face Topuria later this year in a unification bout. This matchup highlights the competitive atmosphere within the lightweight division.
Undercard Highlights
In addition to the interim title fight, UFC 324 will feature several notable matches:
- Kayla Harrison (19-1) defends her women’s bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes (23-5).
- Sean O’Malley (18-3) takes on contender Song Yadong (22-8-1).
- Alexa Grasso (16-5-1) meets Rose Namajunas (15-7) at flyweight.
- Derrick Lewis (29-12) faces rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2).
- Featherweights Arnold Allen (20-3) and Jean Silva (16-3) will also compete.
UFC 324 promises to be an exhilarating event for mixed martial arts fans, with high-stakes bouts and emerging talents in the spotlight.
