Gaethje Targets Second Interim Title at UFC 324: Storylines and Stats
The wait for mixed martial arts enthusiasts is finally over as UFC 324 is set to begin this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event marks the start of the 2026 UFC schedule, headlined by a clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
Event Overview
UFC 324 will feature several notable fighters. The co-main event pits former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley against Song Yadong, with both fighters eyeing a potential title shot against Petr Yan, the current champion.
Originally, the card was expected to include Kayla Harrison defending her title against Amanda Nunes. However, Harrison has postponed the fight indefinitely due to neck surgery.
Fight Card Highlights
- Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Five rounds for interim lightweight title)
- Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
- Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas
- Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
- Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev
- Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas
- Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson
- Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez
- Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman
- Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron Smotherman
- Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller
Justin Gaethje’s Path to Title
Justin Gaethje aims to secure his second interim title. He previously held an interim belt after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, but he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov in the subsequent title unification bout.
Gaethje is skilled, boasting a 58.8% significant strike accuracy—the second highest in UFC lightweight history. He has won three of his last four fights, with notable victories against Rafael Fiziev.
As he enters this matchup, Gaethje hopes to claim his 15th performance bonus, potentially tying him for fourth place on the all-time leaderboard.
Paddy Pimblett’s Challenge
Paddy Pimblett is looking to extend his impressive UFC streak, currently holding a record of 7-0 in the organization. A victory at UFC 324 would make him the eighth fighter to secure eight consecutive wins in the lightweight division.
Pimblett previously faced well-known veterans, including Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson, but this fight against Gaethje represents a significant step up in competition.
Impact of Interim Title
The interim title opportunity arises as current champion Ilia Topuria is on hiatus due to personal matters. The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett may be positioned to face Topuria in a title unification bout later this year.
Additional Noteworthy Fights
The co-main event features Sean O’Malley, who is seeking to bounce back after two consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili. A win against Yadong could secure O’Malley another chance at the title, emphasizing the significance of this fight for his career.
In the heavyweight division, Derrick Lewis aims to add to his record-setting number of knockout wins. He currently leads the UFC with 16 KO victories.
Women’s Flyweight Showdown
The matchup between Natalia Silva and Rose Namajunas is crucial for the women’s flyweight title picture. Silva has a strong record, winning seven consecutive bouts and showcasing exceptional striking defense.
Namajunas, a former champion, looks to solidify her status following a successful transition to the flyweight division.
Event Logistics
Fans can catch the official pre-fight press conference on January 22, 2026, at approximately 8 p.m. ET. The ceremonial weigh-in is scheduled for January 23 at 7 p.m. ET. The preliminary card will begin at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET.
UFC 324 promises to be an exciting start to the year for fans, filled with high-stakes battles and intriguing matchups.
