TLDR
- Tony Ferguson predicts Paddy Pimblett will defeat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on January 24
- Ferguson believes Gaethje lacks motivation for another interim title after already holding one in 2020
- Pimblett has never fought for a UFC title and will be more driven according to Ferguson
- Eddie Alvarez defends Gaethje getting the title shot despite fan criticism
- The winner faces undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria who is currently taking a break
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has made his prediction for the UFC 324 main event. He believes Paddy Pimblett will defeat Justin Gaethje when they fight for the interim lightweight title on January 24.
Ferguson has a unique perspective on this matchup. He fought Gaethje at UFC 249 in 2020, losing by TKO in the fifth round. Three years later, he faced Pimblett at UFC 296, losing by unanimous decision over three rounds.
The 41-year-old fighter shared his thoughts on The Ariel Helwani Show. He explained that Gaethje’s previous experience with an interim belt could work against him. “Justin doesn’t want another interim belt,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson pointed out a key difference between the two fighters. Pimblett has never competed for a UFC championship before. Gaethje has already held interim gold and challenged for the undisputed title twice.
“Paddy’s the one who has never fought for a belt,” Ferguson explained. “He’s going in there to try and get that, and he’s going to feel a little bit fresher.”
The former champion believes motivation will be the deciding factor. He thinks Gaethje has grown tired of interim opportunities without getting a real title shot. The UFC has offered him these chances before without leading to an undisputed championship fight.
The Hunger Factor
Ferguson emphasized that both fighters can be beaten. However, he believes Pimblett’s desire for his first title will give him an edge. “He’s going to have that excitement, in my opinion,” Ferguson said about the British fighter.
The prediction comes with well wishes for both competitors. Ferguson ended his analysis by saying he hopes they “knock each other out.”
UFC CEO Dana White announced this fight as the main event for the promotion’s first numbered card on Paramount+. The bout was created after current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he was taking a break from fighting.
The decision to give Gaethje this opportunity sparked debate among fans. Many believed Arman Tsarukyan deserved the title shot instead. Gaethje currently ranks fourth in the lightweight division.
Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez defended the matchmaking decision. He argued that Gaethje has earned this opportunity through his resume. “Look at the list of who Justin Gaethje has fought and didn’t blink an eye,” Alvarez said.
Past Title Attempts
Gaethje has challenged for the undisputed lightweight title twice before. He lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in those attempts. After his last fight against Rafael Fiziev, he demanded a title shot from the UFC.
Gaethje threatened retirement if the promotion did not grant him another championship opportunity. The UFC responded by booking him against Pimblett for the interim belt.
Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC and has defeated veteran strikers. His wins over Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green showed his improving striking skills. The British fighter wants to win the interim title and then challenge Topuria in 2026.
Tsarukyan expressed disappointment with the UFC’s decision. He offered to help Gaethje prepare for Pimblett despite feeling overlooked. Tsarukyan believes the UFC is protecting Topuria from him while promoting Pimblett.
The winner of UFC 324 will face Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship. Ferguson is currently preparing for his second professional boxing match on December 20 in Dubai.
