MMA Match Preview: Title Fight: Justin Gaethje (26-5-0) vs. Paddy Pimblett (23-3-0)
UFC 324 marks the promotion’s first event of 2026 and the debut of its new broadcast partnership with Paramount+, headlined by a high-stakes interim lightweight title fight between veteran knockout artist Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (26-5-0) and surging British contender Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (23-3-0). With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria sidelined due to personal matters, this clash determines the interim belt in a division loaded with star power. Gaethje brings relentless pressure, devastating leg kicks, and one-punch power, while Pimblett counters with sharp striking, improving grappling, and elite submission skills. Expect a violent, fan-friendly war that could end early or go the full five rounds.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This iconic 20,000-seat venue has hosted numerous UFC championship events and is renowned for its electric atmosphere during high-profile title fights.
Early Prelims: 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT)
Prelims: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)
Main Card: 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT)
This main event is expected to air around 11:30 p.m. ET. The event streams live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Justin Gaethje: Cleared and healthy. Gaethje has no reported injuries heading into this bout. His last fight (a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313) showed no lingering issues from his historically tough career, and training updates confirm full readiness.
Paddy Pimblett: No active injuries. Pimblett is in peak condition after his third-round TKO win over Michael Chandler on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314. No setbacks have been reported during camp.
Fighter Matchups
Justin Gaethje (5’11”, 71″ reach, 37 years old): A pressure-forward brawler with devastating leg kicks, heavy hands, and elite cardio. Lands 5.8 significant strikes per minute at 48% accuracy, absorbs high volume (4.9 strikes per minute), and boasts 19 KO/TKO wins (73% of victories). Strong wrestling defense (80%) but vulnerable to takedowns in scrambles. Thrives in chaotic wars and has never been submitted.
Paddy Pimblett (5’10”, 73″ reach, 31 years old): Explosive striker with improving grappling, sharp boxing, and dangerous submissions. Lands 4.2 significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy, with 10 submission wins (43% of victories) and growing knockout power. Excellent takedown offense (1.8 per 15 minutes at 50% success) and durability. Style favors distance striking and transitions to ground, where his triangle chokes and armbars shine.
Key dynamics: Gaethje’s forward pressure and leg kicks could chop down Pimblett early, but Pimblett’s reach, movement, and submission threat make him dangerous if he survives the early storm. Fight likely stays standing, with Gaethje’s power vs. Pimblett’s volume and finishing instincts deciding the
outcome.
Recent Form
Justin Gaethje: 3-2 in his last five, showing durability against elite competition.
W (UD vs. Rafael Fiziev, March 8, 2025 – UFC 313)
L (KO vs. Max Holloway, April 13, 2024 – UFC 300)
W (KO vs. Dustin Poirier, July 29, 2023 – UFC 291)
W (MD vs. Rafael Fiziev, March 18, 2023 – UFC 286)
L (Sub vs. Charles Oliveira, May 7, 2022 – UFC 274)
Form highlights his ability to take punishment and land big shots, but recent knockouts show vulnerability to elite strikers.
Paddy Pimblett: On a nine-fight win streak (7-0 in UFC).
W (TKO vs. Michael Chandler, April 12, 2025 – UFC 314)
W (Sub vs. Bobby Green, July 27, 2024 – UFC 304)
W (UD vs. Tony Ferguson, December 16, 2023 – UFC 296)
W (UD vs. Jared Gordon, December 10, 2022 – UFC 282)
W (UD vs. Jordan Leavitt, July 23, 2022 – UFC Fight Night)
Form emphasizes rapid improvement in striking, grappling, and finishing ability, with no losses since his UFC debut.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Gaethje and Pimblett—no prior head-to-head. They share no common opponents of note. Gaethje’s UFC record (9-5) reflects battles against elite lightweights, while Pimblett’s (7-0 UFC) showcases a perfect run against varied opposition. No bad blood reported, but Pimblett’s rising star status contrasts Gaethje’s veteran grit.
FIGHT ODDS
Justin Gaethje + 190
Paddy Pimblett – 225
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
