Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett in the main event of UFC 324, a fight that delivered non-stop action and set the stage for a future title unification bout. The event, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marked the UFC’s first pay-per-view of 2026 and lived up to its billing with several thrilling contests.
From the opening bell, Gaethje imposed his will with heavy strikes and relentless pressure, keeping Pimblett on the defensive for much of the early rounds. Despite being knocked down in the second and third rounds, Pimblett showcased incredible heart by rallying back each time, even staggering Gaethje with a flurry in the fourth. The back-and-forth nature of the fight had fans on the edge of their seats, with both fighters displaying tremendous durability and determination.
The official scorecards read 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 for Gaethje, reflecting his dominance in significant strikes and control time. With this win, Gaethje becomes the first fighter to hold the interim lightweight title twice, adding to his legacy as one of the most entertaining competitors in MMA history. His performance harkened back to his earlier days, where his chaotic style earned him the nickname ‘The Highlight.’
For Pimblett, the loss represents his first defeat in the UFC after a promising start to his career. However, his ability to withstand Gaethje’s power and continue fighting earned him praise from commentators and fans alike. Post-fight, Pimblett acknowledged the loss but vowed to return stronger, emphasizing that this experience will only make him a better fighter in the long run.
Reactions from the MMA world were varied, with some praising the fight’s intensity and others critiquing its technical execution. Dustin Poirier took to social media with a sarcastic comment, while Josh Barnett called it ‘one of the worst UFC main events in a while,’ citing the lack of finishing prowess from two known finishers. Despite the criticism, both Gaethje and Pimblett were awarded $100,000 bonuses for their efforts, highlighting the UFC’s recognition of their performance.
In other action, Sean O’Malley ended a two-fight skid by outpointing Song Yadong in the co-main event, immediately calling out former champion Petr Yan for a title eliminator. Additionally, Umar Nurmagomedov remained undefeated with a decision win over Deiveson Figueiredo, and Natalia Silva scored a significant victory over Rose Namajunas, shaking up the women’s flyweight division.
Looking ahead, Gaethje is now positioned as the top contender for the undisputed lightweight title, which is expected to be defended later this year. This win not only revitalizes his career but also injects excitement into a division that has been dominated by a handful of elite fighters. For Pimblett, the journey back to contention begins, with lessons learned from a tough loss against a seasoned veteran.
UFC 324 proved to be a memorable night for fight fans, with Gaethje’s triumph serving as a testament to his resilience and skill. As the MMA community looks forward to future matchups, this event will be remembered for its dramatic moments and the emergence of new storylines in the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
