TLDR
- Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision to win the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026
- Gaethje criticized Pimblett’s kicking power, saying “he kicked like a b*tch” and he could walk through the strikes
- The 37-year-old used an aggressive forward-moving strategy, circling toward Pimblett’s power side throughout the fight
- Gaethje left Pimblett bruised and bloodied after five rounds of dominant striking
- Gaethje is expected to face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria in a title unification bout later in 2026
Sources: MMA Weekly | National Today | MMA Fighting
Justin Gaethje became the interim UFC lightweight champion after defeating Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old fighter wasted no time criticizing his opponent’s striking power in a post-fight interview.
“He was kicking me but he kicked like a b*tch so I walked through that,” Gaethje told former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. “Once I figured I could walk through it, then it was money.”
The victory marked Gaethje’s second time winning an interim lightweight title. Despite Pimblett being heavily favored to win, Gaethje dominated all five rounds with an aggressive forward-moving strategy.
Gaethje repeatedly marched Pimblett down and battered him with punches throughout the fight. By the end of the bout, the English fighter was bruised, cut up and bloodied.
Strategy Behind the Victory
Gaethje explained that he deliberately chose to circle toward Pimblett’s power side during the fight. This unconventional approach confused analysts like Johnson, who suggested Pimblett should have countered with leg kicks.
“Sometimes in fighting you take those trade-offs where it’s like, okay, I’m going to circle into Paddy’s power because he can’t f*cking hit hard,” Gaethje said. “He can’t kick hard.”
The constant circular movement also prevented Pimblett from attempting takedowns. Gaethje stayed in close range, throwing heavy combinations that forced Pimblett to fight backwards without effective counters.
“He’s crafty as f*ck,” Gaethje admitted. “If I sit out here on the outside and fight him the whole time, it’s a terrible way to fight him. He’s going to be flashy and he’s going to win.”
Gaethje did manage to secure a couple of front headlocks that dragged Pimblett to the canvas. However, the newly crowned champion had no intention of relying heavily on his wrestling background.
“I did grapple! I had to win,” Gaethje said. “Every time I put my hooks in, I’m done. I get too high.”
The All-American wrestler explained he consistently gives up position when attempting submissions. Instead, he preferred to stay in dominant positions landing heavy shots and doing damage.
What Comes Next
Gaethje is expected to face undisputed UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in a title unification bout later this year. Topuria announced an extended break starting in late 2025, which led to the creation of the interim title.
The unification fight could potentially take place at the UFC White House event in June 2026. Topuria is expected to return to action in the first half of 2026.
For Pimblett, the loss marked his first defeat since joining the UFC roster. Despite the setback, he remains a popular draw for the promotion.
Gaethje’s lopsided decision victory solidified his position as one of the top lightweights in the division. The fight took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the UFC 324 main event.
