Justin Gaethje wins UFC Lightweight Interim Belt UFC 324

Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje emerged victorious over Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett to claim the UFC Interim Lightweight Championship in the main event of UFC 324 at T‑Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026. In a fight that delivered nonstop action across all five rounds, Gaethje’s grit, pressure and veteran savvy earned him a unanimous decision win and set up a potential unification bout later in 2026.

Gaethje Goes Back to the Top

At 37 years old, Justin Gaethje continues to defy expectations about fighters past their prime. Known throughout his career for explosive striking, resistance to takedowns and a fan‑friendly brawling style, Gaethje turned in a performance equal parts enduring and punishing. Judges scored the fight 49‑46, 49‑46 and 48‑47 in his favor after 25 minutes of back‑and‑forth combat that saw both men drop and rally multiple times.

This marks the second time in career history Gaethje has held an interim lightweight title — previously capturing it in 2020 — and the result sends him straight toward a title unification showdown with undisputed champion Ilia Topuria once Topuria returns to active competition. With the lightweight division still without a clear timetable from the reigning champ due to personal matters, Gaethje’s interim status adds drama to what could be one of the sport’s biggest matchups of the year.

In his post‑fight interview, Gaethje praised Pimblett’s toughness and acknowledged the brutality of the bout, saying, “That Scouser does not get knocked out,” in reference to Pimblett’s famous claim about fighters from Liverpool.

Pimblett’s First UFC Loss, But Not the End of His Rise

For Paddy Pimblett, the defeat marked his first loss since 2018 and the first setback of his UFC career. Entering the fight riding a perfect streak in the Octagon, “The Baddy” showed the world why he became one of the sport’s most talked‑about talents: constant forward pressure, unorthodox striking and an iron chin that kept him standing through some of Gaethje’s most punishing shots.

Despite the loss, Pimblett was quick to acknowledge Gaethje’s greatness, telling reporters that there was “no man I’d rather lose to.” He also promised to come back stronger, emphasizing that this defeat — while painful — won’t derail his long‑term ambitions in the lightweight ranks.

At just 31 years old and already a major pay‑per‑view draw with a passionate global fanbase, Pimblett remains a force in the division and one fight away from re‑entering the title mix. Fans and analysts alike expect he’ll be back against ranked competition later this year as he rebuilds momentum.

UFC 324 — Other Highlighted Bouts

While Gaethje vs. Pimblett stole the show, UFC 324 delivered across the card as the promotion’s first pay‑per‑view under its new Paramount+ era — setting a tone of action and unpredictability for 2026.

• Sean O’Malley snapped a two‑fight losing streak with a unanimous decision win over Song Yadong, reasserting himself as a top contender in the bantamweight division.

• Waldo Cortes‑Acosta provided an early highlight by scoring a second‑round TKO over Derrick Lewis, showcasing his heavy hands and growing star power.

• Up‑and‑comer Jean Silva picked up a unanimous decision over Arnold Allen in a back‑and‑forth lightweight showdown.

• In the women’s featherweight ranks, Natalia Silva continued her rise with a solid unanimous decision over former champion Rose Namajunas.

With its stacked lineup, multiple finishes and thrilling main event, UFC 324 delivered on the hype as the Octagon’s first blockbuster of the year.

What’s Next for the Lightweight Division

Gaethje’s interim title victory essentially sets up a high‑stakes unification bout with Ilia Topuria, the undisputed champion expected back later in the spring or summer. That matchup — pitting Gaethje’s relentless pressure and striking against Topuria’s well‑rounded arsenal — has the makings of a must‑watch event.

For Pimblett, the learning experience of going the distance in a five‑round title fight should only sharpen his skills. With his star power and exciting style, another run toward title contention isn’t out of the question if he rebounds with quality wins in his next outings.

UFC 324, anchored by one of the fiercest lightweight battles in recent memory, may end up being remembered as the night the 155‑pound division truly came back into focus — with Gaethje back at the forefront.