Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett

Justin Gaethje TKO’s Paddy Pimblett in Round 3 to Claim Interim UFC Lightweight Title at UFC 324

On January 24, 2026, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, the inaugural UFC event streamed live on Paramount+, where Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title with a third-round TKO over Paddy Pimblett at 2:45. Gaethje, the American knockout artist, landed 82 of 142 significant strikes (58% accuracy) and dropped Pimblett twice, overwhelming the Brit’s jiu-jitsu with relentless pressure and leg kicks. Pimblett, the undefeated Scouser, landed 55 of 108 strikes (51%) and threatened submissions early, but couldn’t escape Gaethje’s storm, dropping to 23-4. The 18,000-strong crowd, a roaring mix of Vegas locals and transatlantic fans, exploded as Gaethje’s power prevailed, chanting “USA!” amid the neon glow. Airing live on Paramount+ PPV at 9:00 p.m. ET, this main event, co-headlined by Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, delivered a PPV classic, with X posts like @UFC tweeting, “Gaethje’s violence reigns—Pimblett’s streak ends!” This interim title bout positioned Gaethje for a unification against Islam Makhachev, while Pimblett’s heart fueled calls for a rematch in the chaotic 155-pound division.

Fight Overview

The Gaethje vs. Pimblett main event headlined UFC 324’s main card, a 12-fight pay-per-view event with prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and the main card at 9:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+ PPV. Slated for 11:00 p.m. ET, the five-round bout was for the vacant interim lightweight title, with the winner eyeing champ Islam Makhachev in a unification. Gaethje, the -225 favorite (BetMGM), entered seeking a second interim belt, while Pimblett, at +185, aimed to stay undefeated at 7-0 UFC. X hype was massive, with @MMAFighting tweeting, “Gaethje’s power vs. Pimblett’s subs—Paramount+ debut explodes,” and @ConsensusScore posting a faceoff video with 1K likes. The T-Mobile Arena’s 18,000 fans, fueled by Vegas’s fight-week festivities like fan expos on the Strip and pre-fight parties at Hakkasan, created a fever-pitch atmosphere. Fan predictions split 60% for Gaethje’s experience and 40% for Pimblett’s upset, per @SkyBet polls, with the bout billed as a generational clash in lightweight.

Justin Gaethje: The 37-year-old from Safford, Arizona, entered with a 26-5 record (8-5 UFC), including 20 knockouts. At 5’11” with a 70-inch reach, the orthodox fighter’s 5.8 significant strikes per minute and 82% takedown defense (UFC Stats) define his brawling style. His 2025 KO of Dustin Poirier showcased his power, averaging 2.1 knockdowns per fight. Trained with Trevor Wittman, X clips show Gaethje drilling leg kicks. @MMAJunkie notes, “Gaethje’s the violence incarnate—interim gold awaits.”

Paddy Pimblett: The 30-year-old from Liverpool, England, carried a 23-3 record (7-0 UFC), with 9 knockouts and 8 submissions. At 5’10” with a 73-inch reach, the orthodox grappler’s 4.5 significant strikes per minute and 3.8 submissions per fight (UFC Stats) highlight his BJJ black belt. His 2025 submission of Michael Chandler earned his shot. Training at Next Generation MMA, X footage shows Pimblett sharpening guillotines. @BetsMMAX tweets, “Pimblett’s +185 odds scream value—his subs could shock.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Vegas crowd chants “USA!” as Gaethje opens with calf kicks, chopping Pimblett’s lead leg. Pimblett counters with a jab, shooting for a single-leg at 1:20, securing brief control for 1:10 before Gaethje powers up. Gaethje’s leg kicks swell Pimblett’s calf, landing 22 of 35 significant strikes to Pimblett’s 15 of 28 (UFC Stats). @UFC scores it 10-9 Gaethje, tweeting, “Justin’s kicks are chopping him down early.”

Round 2: Pimblett starts aggressively, landing a guillotine attempt off a scramble at 0:50, but Gaethje escapes, countering with a right hook that drops Pimblett briefly at 2:00. Pimblett rises, threatening a triangle, but Gaethje’s ground-and-pound dominates. Gaethje lands 30 of 52 strikes to Pimblett’s 20 of 40. @CagePulseUFC calls it 10-9 Gaethje, noting, “Paddy’s subs are dangerous, but Justin’s power prevails.”

Round 3: Trailing, Pimblett presses with a flying knee, but Gaethje stuffs it, landing a left hook that drops Pimblett at 1:30. Gaethje pounces with ground-and-pound, forcing referee Marc Goddard to stop it at 2:45. Gaethje lands 30 of 55 strikes in the round. @SherdogX confirms the TKO, tweeting, “Gaethje’s a destroyer—interim gold!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Gaethje’s Leg Kicks: His 12 calf kicks sapped Pimblett’s mobility, landing 58% of significant strikes overall. @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Justin’s chops broke Paddy—vintage Gaethje.”
• Pimblett’s Guillotine: His Round 2 attempt showed threat, with @BetsX365 noting, “Paddy nearly stole a round.”
• Third-Round Hook: The left hook and ground-and-pound sealed it, per @FightFanX: “Gaethje’s TKO was vicious—title claimed.”
• Fan Reaction: T-Mobile’s 18,000 fans erupted, with X splitting 65% for Gaethje (@UFC_USA: “Highlight king!”) and 35% for Pimblett (@showtimebets67: “Baddy’s heart shines”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Gaethje called out Islam Makhachev, saying, “Unification next—let’s bang!” His ninth UFC win, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, crowns him interim champ. His 5.8 strike rate and 82% takedown defense highlight his prime, though Pimblett’s subs tested him. @TheAthleticMMA: “Gaethje’s back—lightweight’s violence returns.”

Pimblett, gracious in defeat, told ESPN, “Justin was better—rematch soon.” His first UFC loss (23-4) fuels growth, with X suggesting a rebound vs. Benoit Saint-Denis. @maniacbetsmma: “Paddy’s 30—still a star.” Lightweight remains explosive, with Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan atop.

Event Context and Las Vegas Atmosphere

UFC 324 dazzled with Harrison’s decision over Nunes and a KO by Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong. Prelims featured a submission by Muhammad Mokaev. T-Mobile’s 18,000 fans, amid Strip expos and Hakkasan parties, created electric vibes. @UFC tweeted, “Paramount+ debut is fire!” 65% finish rate and PPV success marked a milestone.

What’s Next?

Gaethje targets Makhachev unification at UFC 331; Pimblett faces Saint-Denis in March. Gaethje’s TKO cements his interim reign, with superfight dreams next.

Gaethje vs. Pimblett on January 24, 2026, saw Justin Gaethje TKO Paddy Pimblett in Round 3, his power and 58% striking accuracy claiming the interim lightweight title. T-Mobile’s electric roar and stacked card amplified the stakes. As Gaethje eyes unification and Pimblett rebounds, this defines lightweight’s future.