Justin Gaethje Defends Interim Lightweight Title via Unanimous Decision Over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 T-Mobile Arena

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas roared to life on January 24, 2026, as Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje reclaimed the interim UFC lightweight title with a hard-fought unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) over the surging Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a five-round war that lived up to every bit of hype. Gaethje’s relentless pressure, leg kicks, and late-round surge overcame Pimblett’s early flash and grappling attempts, marking the first major title fight in the Paramount+ era. Streamed live on Paramount+, the event exploded on X with reactions like, “Gaethje is a legend—Pimblett showed heart but Highlight too much! #UFC324.” A packed house of around 20,000 fans created an electric Sin City atmosphere, amplified by fight-week pressers and the buzz of Amanda Nunes’ planned return (postponed due to injury).

Fight Overview

Date: January 24, 2026 Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada Start Time: Main card 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT (main event ~11:30 PM ET) Stakes: Interim UFC Lightweight Championship—Gaethje’s second stint with the belt, positioning the winner for unification with champ Ilia Topuria (on hiatus). Odds: Gaethje favored at -200, Pimblett at +170, reflecting Justin’s experience against the rising star’s momentum. X Buzz Quote: “Gaethje vs Pimblett is violence guaranteed—welcome to the Paramount+ era! #UFC324” — trending pre-fight hype. Crowd Size and Atmosphere: ~20,000 raucous fans, with chants for both fighters blending Vegas energy and international support for Paddy. Poll Lean: Pre-fight X polls split 60-40 for Gaethje, citing his durability and power, though Pimblett’s fanbase pushed hard.

Justin Gaethje Age: 37 Origin: Safford, Arizona, USA Record: 25-5 (20 KOs/TKOs, 0 Subs) Stance: Orthodox Height/Reach: 5’11” / 70″ Key Stats: Lands 5.8 significant strikes per minute at 48% accuracy; elite leg kicks and wrestling defense. Recent Form: Rebounded from losses with violent wins; former interim champ seeking to stay relevant at 155. Training/X Clips: Camp clips on X showed brutal sparring and leg kick drills: “Back for what’s mine—violence solves everything! #HighlightReel.” Notable Trait: All-action brawler with iron chin, devastating leg kicks, and never-back-down mentality. Quote/Tweet: “I knew it would be tough—Paddy’s tough, but I’m built for wars like this.”

Paddy Pimblett Age: 31 Origin: Liverpool, England Record: 22-3 (9 KOs/TKOs, 9 Subs) Stance: Orthodox Height/Reach: 5’10” / 73″ Key Stats: High submission threat (41% finish rate); good volume striking and grappling transitions. Recent Form: Win streak with flashy finishes; first title shot after climbing rankings rapidly. Training/X Clips: Fun training vids on X with pads and grappling: “Ready to shock the world—Scousers run 155! #TheBaddy.” Notable Trait: Charismatic finisher with slick submissions and improving striking, but tested against elite pressure. Quote/Tweet: “Gave it everything—respect to Justin. I’ll be back for gold.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Pimblett started fast with volume and a takedown attempt; Gaethje stuffed it and landed heavy leg kicks. CompuBox: Gaethje 28/62 sig. strikes, Pimblett 22/55. Scoring: 10-9 Gaethje.

Rounds 2-3: Pimblett found rhythm in Round 2 with flurries and a brief clinch; Gaethje answered with body shots. Round 3 saw Pimblett hurt Gaethje briefly but eat counters. CompuBox (combined): Gaethje edged volume. Scoring: 10-9 Pimblett (Rd 2), 10-9 Gaethje (Rd 3).

Rounds 4-5: Championship rounds belonged to Gaethje—leg kicks crippled Pimblett’s movement; Justin poured on pressure without gassing. CompuBox (late): Gaethje 45/110 sig. strikes vs. Pimblett 30/85. Scoring: 10-9 Gaethje both. Overall CompuBox: Gaethje 142/350 (41%), Pimblett 112/320 (35%).

Key Moments and Impact

• Gaethje’s Leg Kicks: Devastating low kicks slowed Pimblett dramatically late, showcasing Justin’s veteran savvy.
• Pimblett’s Early Flash: Paddy’s volume and heart kept it close early, proving he belongs at title level.
• Fan/Media Reaction: X hailed it “Fight of the Night” contender; media praised Gaethje’s resilience in the Paramount+ debut.
• No Major Injuries: Grueling but clean; both fighters bruised but standing.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Gaethje: “I’m the interim champ again—Topuria, let’s unify!” eyeing big money unification. Bonuses: $100k each for Fight/Perf of the Night. Pimblett: “Learned a lot—back stronger.” Lightweight heats up with Topuria’s return looming.

Event Context and Las Vegas Atmosphere

Co-main elevated to Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong (bantamweight thriller). Other notables: Rose Namajunas fought despite eye issues. Paramount+ debut drew massive streams; Vegas fight week was electric.

What’s Next?

Gaethje: Unification vs. Ilia Topuria. Pimblett: Rebound vs. top-5 lightweight.

On January 24, 2026, Justin Gaethje’s veteran grit prevailed over Paddy Pimblett’s flair, claiming the interim lightweight title via UD at UFC 324. A brutal, entertaining war kicked off the Paramount+ era in style, setting the stage for more chaos at 155.