The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is set to erupt this Saturday, January 24, 2026, as the UFC ushers in a new era. UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett is not just another pay-per-view; it is a watershed moment for the sport, marking the promotion’s first numbered event on Paramount+ and the potential coronation of a new European king.
In the main event, the chaos of the lightweight division reaches a boiling point. Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, the violent gatekeeper of the elite, steps into the cage to welcome Liverpool’s Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett to the championship level. With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria currently sidelined, the Interim Lightweight Championship is on the line, raising the stakes to career-defining heights for both men.
For fans following the action from Estonia and across Europe, this card represents a clash of timelines: the established American vanguard against the surging British invasion. Can Pimblett’s grappling wizardry survive the legendary power of Gaethje? Let’s dive deep into the technical breakdown, the stakes, and the path that brought us here.
The Road to UFC 324: A Clash of Trajectories
To understand the magnitude of this fight, we must look at the wild 18 months that preceded it. The lightweight division has always been the UFC’s shark tank, and surviving it requires consistency that few possess.
Justin Gaethje: The Violent Veteran
Justin Gaethje (26-5) has long been the gold standard for excitement in MMA. His resume reads like a hall-of-fame ballot. After his devastating last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at the historic UFC 300 in April 2024, many pundits questioned if “The Highlight” had finally burned out. Yet, Gaethje silenced doubters in March 2025 with a tactical, unanimous decision victory over the dangerous Rafael Fiziev. That win proved two things: his chin can still hold up, and his leg kicks remain the great equalizer.
Gaethje enters this bout ranked #4, fighting not just for a belt, but for his legacy. At 37 years old, this is likely his final charge toward undisputed gold. He is the division’s litmus test; if you can’t walk through his fire, you don’t belong at the top.
Paddy Pimblett: The Scouse Ascension
Paddy Pimblett (23-3) has transformed from a hype train into a legitimate title threat. His 2024 and 2025 campaigns were nothing short of spectacular. He silenced critics with a first-round submission of King Green at UFC 304 and then secured the biggest win of his career—a third-round TKO over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025. That victory over Chandler, a man who has warred with Gaethje himself, validated Pimblett’s place in the top 5.
Now riding a seven-fight win streak inside the Octagon, Pimblett aims to become the first fighter from Liverpool to strap UFC gold around his waist. His confidence is sky-high, but he has never faced a striker with the precision and power of Gaethje.
Technical Breakdown: Chaos vs. Control
This matchup is a classic “Striker vs. Grappler” scenario, but with modern MMA nuances that make it fascinating.
Striking: The Leg Kick Factor
Justin Gaethje’s game plan is no secret: chop the lead leg until the opponent’s movement is compromised, then land the overhand right. Against Pimblett, who tends to keep his chin high and his hands low, this strategy is lethal. In his fights against Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier, Gaethje showed patience, picking his shots rather than brawling blindly. If he catches Pimblett with a clean counter-hook early, the night could end abruptly.
However, Pimblett has shown improved striking defense. His length (73-inch reach) allows him to strike from the outside, and his unorthodox movement can be confusing. He doesn’t need to out-strike Gaethje; he just needs to create enough chaos to close the distance.
Grappling: The Baddy’s Realm
This is where the fight gets interesting. Paddy Pimblett is a submission artist of the highest caliber. His transitions are fluid, and he is dangerous from every position—even off his back. Gaethje has an NCAA Division I wrestling background, but he rarely uses it offensively. Defensively, Gaethje is difficult to hold down, but he has shown vulnerability to submissions in high-pressure scrambles (see his losses to Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov).
If Pimblett can drag this fight to the mat, the advantage shifts dramatically in his favor. Look for Pimblett to use teep kicks to manage distance before shooting for opportunistic takedowns or pulling guard if Gaethje overcommits to a strike.
Cardio and Durability
We saw in the Michael Chandler fight that Pimblett can maintain a high pace for three rounds, but a five-round title fight is a different beast. Gaethje has been 25 minutes with the best in the world. If the fight enters the “championship rounds” (4 and 5), Gaethje’s experience in deep waters will be a massive asset. Pimblett must pace himself, or he risks fading against a man who famously gets stronger as the fight gets bloodier.
The “Paramount+” Era Begins
UFC 324 is historically significant for another reason: broadcast distribution. This event kicks off the UFC’s new partnership with Paramount+, signaling a major shift in how fans in the US and abroad consume the sport. For European viewers, this likely means more streamlined access to UFC content and potentially higher production values. The main card, featuring Gaethje vs. Pimblett, is the flagship vessel for this new chapter, ensuring that millions of new eyeballs will be glued to the screen.
Co-Main Event and Undercard Gems
While the main event steals the headlines, the undercard is stacked with implications for the rankings.
Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
In the bantamweight division, former champion Sean O’Malley looks to rebound against the Chinese powerhouse Song Yadong. This is a striker’s delight. O’Malley’s sniper-like accuracy meets Yadong’s explosive hooks. The winner here likely secures a shot at the winner of the upcoming Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili rematch.
Rose Namajunas vs. Natalia Silva
Former champion Rose Namajunas continues her flyweight campaign against the surging Brazilian Natalia Silva. Silva is undefeated in the UFC and boasts lightning-fast taekwondo kicks. For Namajunas, this is a must-win to stay relevant in the title picture. For Silva, it’s the biggest name she has ever faced.
What’s at Stake for the Lightweight Division?
The Lightweight division is currently in a state of flux. With champion Ilia Topuria dealing with personal matters, the division needs a clear number one contender. The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett will hold the Interim belt, guaranteeing a unification bout with Topuria later in 2026.
- If Gaethje wins: We get a fresh matchup between Topuria and Gaethje—a fan-friendly war between two heavy hitters. It also cements Gaethje’s legacy as one of the greatest lightweights to ever do it.
- If Pimblett wins: The UFC gains a massive superstar champion in the UK market. A Topuria vs. Pimblett unification bout in a stadium in Spain or the UK would be one of the biggest fights in European MMA history.
For the latest updates on fight bookings and results, keep an eye on UFC.com and check our local coverage at MMAailm.ee.
Final Prediction
Analyzing the styles, the smart money often favors the proven commodity. Justin Gaethje has faced—and beaten—elite competition for a decade. His leg kicks could severely hamper Pimblett’s movement early, taking away the Brit’s ability to shoot for takedowns effectively.
However, momentum is a powerful force in this sport. Pimblett is fighting with a belief system that is hard to break. If he can survive the early storm and force a grappling exchange, he has a clear path to victory via submission.
The Verdict: Expect a tense first round. Gaethje will land heavy, likely cutting Pimblett. But as the fight wears on, if Gaethje cannot find the finish, Pimblett’s relentless grappling pressure may force a mistake. This feels like the passing of the torch. Prediction: Paddy Pimblett via Round 3 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke).
FAQ: UFC 324 and Fighter Context
Is the Interim Title the same as the real belt?
An Interim Title is created when the undisputed champion is unable to defend their belt due to injury or other reasons. While not the “undisputed” belt, it guarantees the holder a shot at the champion upon their return. In the eyes of the rankings and pay-per-view points, it is a legitimate world championship.
How can I watch UFC 324 in Europe?
Broadcasting rights vary by country. In Estonia and much of the Baltics, UFC events are typically available via Go3 Sport or UFC Fight Pass. Check your local listings, as this is a numbered event (PPV) which may require a specific subscription.
Has Paddy Pimblett ever lost in the UFC?
As of January 2026, Paddy Pimblett is undefeated in the UFC with a record of 7-0 in the promotion. His three professional losses occurred earlier in his career in Cage Warriors, mostly due to submission or decision. He has evolved significantly since those defeats.
What happens if the main event ends in a draw?
In the rare event of a draw in a title fight, the champion (or in this case, the status quo) usually remains. However, since the title is vacant (Interim), the belt would likely remain awarded to neither man, and an immediate rematch would be ordered.
Is MMA betting legal in Estonia?
Yes, sports betting is legal and regulated in Estonia. Fans looking to place wagers on Gaethje vs. Pimblett should ensure they use licensed platforms to ensure safety and compliance with local laws.
