Gaethje outguns Pimblett to claim Interim Lightweight Title at UFC 324. Justin Gaethje outlasts Paddy Pimblett in a five-round war at UFC 324, claiming the interim lightweight title with his power and precision.
The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was on fire on Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett finally collided in the main event of UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title. The bout delivered drama, violence, and a defining moment for the division.
Justin Gaethje entered the main event as a seasoned veteran and former interim titleholder with a long history of thrilling fights. After his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024, Gaethje responded with a strong performance on March 8, 2025, when he defeated Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision at UFC 313, in a fight that showcased his well-rounded striking and resilience against one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
Gaethje’s resume also features a dramatic head-kick knockout win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in 2023, and he remains known for his forward pressure, heavy leg kicks, and willingness to engage. While he had a loss to Holloway his recent win over Fiziev reaffirmed his spot among lightweight’s elite challengers.
Paddy Pimblett, his opponent brought momentum and unbeaten UFC form into this championship fight. Since joining the UFC, Pimblett has gone 7-0 inside the Octagon, including a big TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025 that pushed him into title contention. His rise has been marked by explosive finishes and a fan-favorite personality that has energised the lightweight division.
Pimblett, 31, has combined striking power with submission threats and relentless pace, funneling his confidence into a belief that he belongs at the very top of the sport.
The bell rang and the tension inside the arena instantly turned into electricity. From the opening seconds, both men began to circle, measuring distance, feinting, and testing reactions, right from the opening bell, Justin Gaethje came forward with pressure and power. He threw big combinations, tagging Paddy Pimblett with heavy punches and a strong jab. Early in the round Gaethje landed a knockdown, forcing Pimblett to scramble and eat shots on the mat before getting back up. Pimblett showed toughness, answering with his own leg kicks and a quick head kick later in the round, but Gaethje’s intensity and striking advantage made the first round his.
Gaethje kept the pressure in Round 2, stalking Pimblett and landing heavy low kicks and stiff jabs. He continued to score takedowns and cage control, grinding on Pimblett and landing ground and pound. Pimblett tried to fire back with body kicks and counters, but Gaethje’s relentless pace and power shots kept him in front.
Pimblett showed heart in Round 3, landing sharp jabs, kicks, and occasional heavy shots that reminded fans of his striking threat. He started the round well and even opened up with solid offense, including high kicks and uppercuts. There was an accidental low blow/strike that paused the action, but Pimblett kept coming forward and trading with Gaethje. While Gaethje still landed hard counters, Pimblett’s volume and resilience made this round his.
In Round 4, Gaethje landed heavy jabs to the body and head, rocking Pimblett and forcing him into close exchanges. Gaethje then dropped Pimblett again with a big strike and followed with heavy punches before they separated. Pimblett absorbed pressure but couldn’t consistently respond cleanly, letting Gaethje control the cage and take the round.
The final round was gritty and high-paced. Both men traded big punches and kicks. Pimblett had moments of good striking and kept attacking, but Gaethje’s pressure, volume, and hard counters kept him ahead on the scorecards. Neither man backed down, and both landed significant shots before the horn. Ultimately, Gaethje’s overall impact throughout the fight kept him in front.
At the end of the five rounds
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to win the interim UFC lightweight title and judges scored it 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 in a fierce five-round battle that showcased both fighters’ heart and skill.
