UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Set for Interim Title Clash on January 24

UFC President Dana White announced that Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. This highly anticipated match will take place in Las Vegas and is part of an impressive fight card featuring other notable fighters, including Kayla Harrison, Amanda Nunes, and Sean O’Malley.

The announcement came during the halftime of the Thanksgiving game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, where White highlighted the significance of the upcoming event. The interim title bout emerged after current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria stated he would be stepping away from the sport to address a family matter. Topuria was expected to compete against either Gaethje or Pimblett, both of whom are top contenders in the lightweight division.

Gaethje, known as “The Highlight,” last fought in March 2025, securing a victory against Rafael Fiziev. His return to the octagon promises to reignite his career following a challenging bout in April 2024, where he suffered a knockout loss to Max Holloway.

Pimblett, nicknamed “The Baddy,” has been a fan favorite and has not competed since his dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April 2025. His eagerness to challenge Topuria has generated considerable buzz among UFC fans, who are keen to see him back in action. The clash between Gaethje and Pimblett will not only serve as an interim title fight but also set the stage for a future showdown with Topuria.

Both fighters bring distinct styles and fan appeal, which adds to the excitement surrounding UFC 324. The event is expected to draw significant attention, with fans eager to witness how the interim title battle unfolds and what it means for the future of the lightweight division.

As the fight date approaches, anticipation will only grow, especially with the high stakes involved for both Gaethje and Pimblett. The outcome may well determine the next challenger for Topuria’s title, making this fight a pivotal moment in the career trajectories of these two fighters.