UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett predicts knockout of Justin Gaethje
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Tonight, Paddy Pimblett fights for UFC gold for the first time, as the Liverpudlian takes on Justin Gaethje in Las Vegas. But as “Paddy The Baddy” and Gaethje clash at UFC 324, there is more on the line than just the interim lightweight title.
The winner of tonight’s main event should be next for regular champion Ilia Topuria, Pimblett’s bitter rival, who is currently taking a break from MMA for personal reasons. Pimblett could therefore set up one of the biggest fights in the sport, or Gaethje could become a two-time interim champ, to go along with his status as one of the most-exciting athletes in UFC history.
While Gaethje, 37, has twice failed to win the undisputed title and is in the last-chance saloon this year, Pimblett, 31, is a newcomer to lights as bright as these. Yet he has continued to defy his doubters in staying unbeaten in the UFC, and he saw off a former MMA champion last time out by stopping Michael Chandler.
Tonight’s co-main event was due to see all-time great Amanda Nunes emerge from retirement to challenge an old teammate, bantamweight queen Kayla Harrison, but the latter sustained an injury last week. As such, Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong was pushed up the card, with “Suga’ Sean” winning a narrow decision to potentially earn a shot at his old title.
Follow live updates and results from UFC 324, from the prelims to the main event, below.
Gaethje eats a few low kicks but manages to haul Pimblett to the canvas with a front headlock. Eventually the pair stand, and Paddy is sporting some bad swelling around his right eye.
Now Gaethje lands a couple of low kicks, and Pimblett stumbles! Is he hurt? He’s moving sheepishly, but he’s surviving for now. He clinches for a while, landing mean knees in the clinch.
Both men are breathing heavily. They separate, and Gaethje walks forward. Again he drags down Pimblett with a front headlock.
Gaethje seems content to get his breath back and wear down on Pimblett. Eventually Gaethje chooses to stand.
Oh! Gaethje drops Pimblett with a right hand, and the Scouser is in trouble by the fence! Gaethje with short, slashing elbows!
Pimblett reaches the buzzer but is likely two rounds down here.
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 05:11
The last minute is in the books, and Gaethje landed a couple of hard hooks in there. Paddy did well to survive that round, but he also landed his fair share of clean strikes! Lots of good knees in there from Paddy, especially.
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 05:05
Five rounds scheduled. How many will we see? They touch gloves twice. Gaethje presses forward early. Both men stand orthodox.
Gaethje is one of MMA’s best low kickers, but he eats a few from Paddy early. Pimblett with some counter straights and a one-two.
He eats an overhand from Gaethje. Big knee from Paddy! He eats an uppercut! This is chaos already, as we expected!
You can’t take your eyes off it. Oh!!! Gaethje has Paddy hurt against the cage, and Pimblett drops to the mat! He turtles up, and Gaethje is controlling the Scouser, landing hard shots…
Gaethje backs off and lets Pimblett stand. Wow, good uppercut from Paddy against the run of play…
Gaethje is still stalking Pimblett, who looks like his hands are shaking. Pimblett kicks low and hard but slips. He stands and lands a knee and hook.
Gaethje talks to him. Now an uppercut by Paddy! This is so raw. Pimblett complains of an eye poke with a minute to go, and the action is paused.
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 05:02
HERE WE GO! THEY’RE UNDER WAY!
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 04:58
Gaethje is making his walk now, after Pimblett’s own relaxed walkout.
Pimblett really did look like he was having the time of his life – dancing and singing, bouncing around.
Gaethje is wrapped in the US flag. He traces a cross on his chest and shoulders.
Is this his last UFC title fight? Or will he get a third and final crack at the undisputed belt later this year?
We’re about to find out.
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 04:52
There’s an intentional delay before Pimblett’s walkout song begins, so those watching at home can hear the T-Mobile Arena crowd singing, “Ohhhhh, Paddy The Baddy!”
There is a LOT of Scouse support for Pimblett in the building tonight!!
On that note, here’s more from Will Castle, who explains why Pimblett is the perfect headliner for tonight’s event – the UFC’s first on Paramount+:
Our own Will Castle spoke to Pimblett’s teammates Luke Riley and Nathan Fletcher, and they lifted the lid on “Paddy The Baddy’s” preparation for UFC 324:
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 04:47
Crossing the road on a junction by London Bridge station, preparing to turn the corner and head towards Bankside to interview Paddy Pimblett, I meet him unexpectedly early.
Fourteen foot off the ground, he flashes a grin down at me, his eyes twinkling under that familiar spill of blonde hair. His head is much larger than expected, even with the knowledge that he tends to add significant weight between fights.
This is UFC star “Paddy The Baddy” as a face of JD Sports, splashed across an advert on the side of a double-decker bus. Larger than life.
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 04:44
Okay, next up it’s the one we’ve all been waiting for…
Justin Gaethje (left) and Paddy Pimblett will clash in Las Vegas (Zuffa LLC)
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 04:40
Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
A big win for O’Malley, one which may get him back in a title fight!
Meanwhile, it’s an agonising loss for Song, who slips away from the title picture again.
(Getty Images)
Alex Pattle25 January 2026 04:36