Justin Gaethje’s place among the most electrifying fighters in UFC history was already well established — but Saturday night in Las Vegas added another defining chapter.
Competing in the main event of UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena, Gaethje captured the interim UFC lightweight championship for the second time with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett. The judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 after a relentless five-round war that saw Gaethje repeatedly knock Pimblett down and control the most damaging moments of the fight.
The victory positions Gaethje (27-5) for a long-anticipated title unification bout against undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, potentially as soon as June. Early discussions have even floated the possibility of the fight taking place at a historic venue such as the White House.
“That Scouser does not get knocked out,” Gaethje said afterward, referencing Pimblett’s claims about fighters from Liverpool. “This sport is insane, this life is incredible, and I’m grateful to be able to do this.”
At 37 years old, Gaethje once again proved that betting odds mean little inside the Octagon. Entering the bout as a +195 underdog, he improved his UFC record as an underdog to an impressive 9-2. He also handed Pimblett (23-4) his first loss in the UFC, snapping the Englishman’s previously perfect 7-0 run with the promotion.
This marks Gaethje’s second reign as interim lightweight champion. He first claimed the belt in 2020 by defeating Tony Ferguson, a victory that earned him a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov later that year. Gaethje lost that bout via submission in what became the final fight of Nurmagomedov’s legendary career.
While the scorecards showed a clear edge for Gaethje, the fight itself was competitive and physically demanding. Momentum swung back and forth throughout the contest, but Gaethje consistently did his best work when pressuring Pimblett against the cage.
In the opening round, Gaethje dropped Pimblett with a sharp right uppercut along the fence. He repeated the feat in the second round, again using his power boxing to put Pimblett on the canvas. Gaethje closed that round on top, landing punishing elbows and forearms as Pimblett absorbed damage but refused to wilt.
Despite being bloodied near his right eye, Pimblett showed sportsmanship and toughness, even fist-bumping Gaethje at the end of the second round.
“He’s a dangerous kid,” Gaethje said. “I needed to take his confidence and momentum away. My plan was to pressure forward and not give him room to breathe.”
Pimblett stayed true to his pre-fight vow to stand and trade with Gaethje rather than rely on grappling. Afterward, he showed respect for the veteran he has long admired.
“I wanted to leave with that belt,” Pimblett said. “But there’s no man I’d rather lose to than Justin Gaethje.”
According to UFC Stats, Gaethje outlanded Pimblett 219-177 in total strikes. Although he absorbed heavy kicks to the legs and body, Gaethje continued marching forward and landing the cleaner, more damaging punches.
In the fifth round, Pimblett attempted his most aggressive takedown of the fight, likely realizing he needed a finish. Gaethje defended the attempt with ease and responded by landing some of his hardest shots of the final frame, sealing the victory.
Gaethje, who trains out of Denver, is expected to be an underdog again when he eventually faces Topuria. The champion has announced plans to step away briefly at the start of 2026 due to personal matters but has stated his intention to fight the winner of UFC 324 sometime between April and June.
If Saturday night was any indication, writing off Justin Gaethje remains a dangerous mistake — and “The Highlight” continues to live up to his name.
