UFC 324: Gaethje Triumphs Over Pimblett in Thrilling Title Bout
Justin Gaethje emerged victorious against Paddy Pimblett in a dramatic fight at UFC 324, held on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas. This bout marked the start of the UFC’s new seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount.
What we know
- Gaethje won the interim lightweight championship with a unanimous decision, scoring 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 from the judges.
- The fighters combined to throw nearly 650 total strikes during the 25-minute match.
- Gaethje suffered an eye poke that caused a knockdown of Pimblett, which was missed by the referee.
- Despite the defeat, Pimblett expressed admiration for Gaethje and mentioned plans to return stronger.
What’s still unclear
Details are limited in the source reporting so far regarding the circumstances of the eye poke that led to the knockdown, including any actions taken by officials after the bout.
What this means
For Gaethje, this victory reinstates his position as a title contender in the lightweight division, preparing him for a challenge against reigning champion Ilia Topuria. As for Pimblett, despite the loss, his status as a rising star remains intact due to his earlier successes and charismatic personality.
What to watch next
Fans should keep an eye on updates regarding Gaethje’s title fight against Topuria and Pimblett’s path to a potential title shot in the future. Further fight analyses and breakdowns from UFC 324 are also anticipated.
Original source: Open the source
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