The wait is over for fight fans as the UFC has officially announced a blockbuster main event for its first major pay-per-view of 2026. Paddy Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight championship at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas.
From Liverpool to Las Vegas: Pimblett's Meteoric Rise
Since his electrifying UFC debut in 2021, Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett has taken the mixed martial arts world by storm. The 30-year-old Liverpudlian announced his arrival with a stunning knockout of Luigi Vendramini and never looked back, building an impressive winning streak.
His career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. After a successful pay-per-view debut against Jared Gordon, Pimblett secured a decisive victory over former interim champion Tony Ferguson. He then delivered a thrilling submission win over King Green in front of a home crowd at UFC 304 in Manchester.
Pimblett's most significant career victory to date came in his last outing in April, where he scored a knockout against the highly-rated Michael Chandler. This win solidified his position in the upper echelons of the lightweight division and set the stage for this championship opportunity.
Gaethje: The Ultimate Challenge
Standing across the octagon from Pimblett will be one of the most feared strikers in UFC history. Justin Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion, is renowned for his devastating knockout power and relentless fighting style.
The American, known as 'The Highlight', has secured six knockout victories since joining the promotion in 2017. With 14 UFC bouts under his belt, his experience at the highest level presents a formidable challenge for the rising British star. Gaethje hasn't competed since his impressive decision win over Rafael Fiziev in March, making him hungry for a return.
This matchup comes after Gaethje had previously threatened retirement if he was overlooked for a title shot. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed the fighter's strong principles, stating Gaethje felt he deserved a championship opportunity after saving the UFC on multiple occasions when they needed a main event.
Topuria Timeline Alters Championship Picture
The creation of an interim title became necessary due to the unavailability of the current undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria. The Georgian-Spanish fighter, who captured the title from Charles Oliveira in June, has confirmed he will not be competing in the first quarter of 2026.
Topuria cited personal reasons for his hiatus, explaining on social media that he is "going through a difficult moment in my personal life" and wants to focus on his children. This announcement effectively put the lightweight division on hold, prompting the UFC to book an interim title fight to keep the weight class moving.
This development is particularly interesting given the heated history between Pimblett and Topuria. The rivals have exchanged words for years, with Pimblett even storming the cage to confront Topuria after his title win. While a fight between them seemed inevitable, Pimblett must now navigate the dangerous Gaethje first.
Stacked UFC 324 Card Features Multiple Marquee Matchups
Beyond the main event, UFC 324 promises to be a landmark card, representing the organisation's first major event under its new broadcasting agreement with Paramount+. The seven-year partnership, valued at £5.74 billion, will feature 30 Fight Night events alongside 13 annual numbered cards.
The co-main event features a spectacular bantamweight title fight as Kayla Harrison makes her first defence against UFC legend Amanda Nunes. The Brazilian icon hasn't competed in over two years after retiring following her victory at UFC 289, but Harrison's challenge prompted a remarkable comeback.
Additional highlights on the card include:
- Sean O'Malley returning to action against Song Yadong
- Umar Nurmagomedov facing Deiveson Figueiredo in a bantamweight clash
- England's Arnold Allen making his long-awaited return against Jean Silva
With championship implications, legendary comebacks, and the continued ascent of British MMA's brightest star, UFC 324 on January 24 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for fight fans across the UK and beyond.
