This Saturday, UFC 324 delivers a high-stakes clash in the main event as Paddy Pimblett takes on Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title. The bout is not just about a championship belt; it represents a crossroads for both fighters. For Pimblett, it is the first opportunity to capture UFC gold, while for Gaethje, it could be his final chance to secure a title at 37 years old.
Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion and one-time holder of the symbolic BMF title, has never claimed the undisputed lightweight crown. Pimblett, in contrast, is only seven fights into his Octagon career. His title shot comes partly due to lightweight champion Ilia Topuria stepping back from the sport amid personal challenges, including a divorce.
This matchup carries the promise of shaping the future of the lightweight division while showcasing Pimblett’s meteoric rise and Gaethje’s veteran experience.
Pimblett Overcomes Adversity and Injuries to Cement UFC Contender Status
Since his UFC debut in 2021, Paddy Pimblett has been surrounded by hype and largely delivered on it. The Liverpool native boasts an undefeated 7-0 UFC record, with five wins by stoppage, and has quickly built a reputation for his entertaining personality, which has helped him gain fans and media attention.
However, Pimblett’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. His December 2022 fight against Jared Gordon at UFC 282 is widely debated, with only one media scorecard favoring Pimblett, while 23 sided with Gordon. Despite this, the official judges awarded Pimblett a unanimous decision victory. Complicating matters, Pimblett suffered severe ligament damage in his ankle during that fight, requiring multiple surgeries and keeping him sidelined for over a year.
Paddy Pimblett vs Justin GaethjeIn addition to injuries, Pimblett struggled with extreme weight fluctuations earlier in his career, often having to make significant cuts to reach the lightweight limit. Personal growth has since contributed to his professional development, including marriage and becoming a father, which he credits with maturing both his mindset and approach to fighting.
“I underestimated Jared a bit and obviously got a very bad injury in the first round that a lot of other fighters would have stopped fighting from,” Pimblett explained. “But I had to switch things up… becoming a father changed a lot.”
Pimblett’s development has been clear in his recent fights. At UFC 304, he submitted veteran King Green with a first-round arm-triangle choke, demonstrating his grappling prowess. He followed this with a third-round TKO over former lightweight title contender Michael Chandler at UFC 314. Both wins earned Pimblett Performance of the Night bonuses, cementing his status as a legitimate contender.
UFC President Dana White acknowledged Pimblett’s unique combination of charisma and skill, noting that the Liverpool fighter often thrives as an underdog. “Paddy is one of those guys. Yet every time he’s the underdog, he doesn’t just win, he wins impressively,” White said.
Gaethje’s Final Title Chance Sets Up Veteran Versus Rising Star Showdown”
For Justin Gaethje, this fight represents one of the last opportunities to secure a UFC championship. Known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power, Gaethje has previously held the interim lightweight title and the BMF belt but has never claimed the undisputed lightweight crown. At 37, time is no longer on his side, making this matchup particularly urgent.
Gaethje’s experience contrasts sharply with Pimblett’s youthful rise, setting the stage for a classic veteran-versus-rising-star narrative.
A victory over Gaethje would solidify Pimblett’s place among the elite lightweights, but the path forward remains uncertain. Topuria, the reigning lightweight champion, is expected to return, though there is speculation he could move up to welterweight to challenge 170-pound champion Islam Makhachev instead of unifying the lightweight belts.
Pimblett has been vocal about his desire to face Topuria, stating, “I think [Topuria] is a very good fighter, but I think I’m going to punch his head in. Once I beat Justin, I’ll beat Ilia, and then I’ll beat whoever is next.”
Regardless of the title scenario, Pimblett’s confidence and showmanship are evident. Headlining UFC 324, the first card under the UFC’s landmark seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount+, demonstrates his marketability and readiness for big stages. “I show up every single fight, and I’m entertaining… Things like this I’ve envisioned in my future, and I’ve spoken into existence, and that’s what happened,” he said.
UFC 324 presents a pivotal moment in the lightweight division and in the careers of both fighters. Paddy Pimblett has the chance to validate his rapid ascent and become a marquee star, while Justin Gaethje fights to secure his final title opportunity. The outcome will not only determine who holds the interim belt but may also shape the direction of the lightweight division for years to come.
