The first UFC pay-per-view of the year is set to deliver a high-stakes lightweight showdown with major title implications.
UFC 324, scheduled for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena, will be headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between former interim champion Justin Gaethje and No. 5 ranked contender Paddy Pimblett.
With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria stepping away from the sport to deal with personal matters, the promotion moved quickly to keep the division active.
The result is an interim belt, a five-round main event, and a clash of two fighters from very different ends of the UFC experience spectrum.
While Pimblett enters the fight undefeated in the UFC and listed as the betting favorite, Gaethje has made it clear that momentum and hype will not decide what happens inside the Octagon.
The veteran brawler believes this is the perfect moment to remind the division and Pimblett what elite lightweight competition truly looks like.
Why UFC Created an Interim Lightweight Title
The UFC lightweight division is one of the deepest and most competitive in the sport.
With Ilia Topuria temporarily sidelined, the promotion faced a familiar problem: how to keep contenders active without stalling the division.
Rather than waiting indefinitely, the UFC chose to introduce an interim championship at UFC 324.
This decision gives two top lightweights a chance to fight for gold while keeping the division moving forward.
It also ensures that when Topuria returns, there will be no confusion about who deserves the next title unification bout.
For Gaethje, the interim title represents a familiar path. He has held the belt before and understands what it means to perform in a five-round title fight. For Pimblett, it is uncharted territory, the biggest opportunity of his career to date.
Justin Gaethje’s Mindset Heading Into UFC 324
Justin Gaethje is no stranger to pressure fights. Known for his aggressive style, leg kicks, and willingness to stand and trade, Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous lightweights in UFC history.
Speaking to the Paramount UFC Crew YouTube channel, Gaethje openly acknowledged Pimblett’s confidence and momentum.
“Paddy Pimblett, this guy’s got a ton of momentum, a ton of confidence, and those are two variables that are tough to beat. I’m gonna have to really steal that momentum early and stay in my shell.”
This quote reveals an important shift in Gaethje’s approach. Earlier in his career, he was known for all-out wars from the opening bell.
In recent years, however, Gaethje has shown a more measured style, picking his moments, managing distance, and conserving energy over longer fights.
At UFC 324, Gaethje plans to combine his experience with discipline, aiming to break Pimblett’s rhythm before the younger fighter can settle into the fight.
Paddy Pimblett’s Rise and UFC Momentum
Paddy Pimblett has become one of the UFC’s biggest stars in a remarkably short time. Charismatic, outspoken, and confident, “The Baddy” has backed up his talk with wins inside the Octagon.
So far, Pimblett has not tasted defeat in the UFC. His ability to find finishes, coupled with his fan-friendly personality, has turned him into a main-event attraction.
A victory over Justin Gaethje would instantly validate him as a true championship-level lightweight.
Oddsmakers have installed Pimblett as the favorite, largely due to his youth, momentum, and recent performances.
However, stepping into a five-round main event against a former interim champion is a completely different challenge from anything Pimblett has faced before.
Experience vs Momentum: The Core Theme of UFC 324
At its heart, UFC 324 is about a classic MMA storyline experience versus momentum.
- Justin Gaethje brings years of elite competition, multiple main events, and championship-level experience.
- Paddy Pimblett brings confidence, youth, and the belief that he belongs at the very top of the division.
Gaethje understands how quickly hype can disappear in a title fight. He has seen rising contenders stumble under the pressure of five rounds, bright lights, and championship stakes.
That is why his strategy centers on taking control early and forcing Pimblett to fight outside his comfort zone.
Gaethje’s Game Plan: Breaking the Rhythm
Justin Gaethje’s comments about “stealing momentum early” are key to understanding his approach. Pimblett thrives when he is allowed to dictate pace, exchange freely, and build confidence round by round.
Gaethje is expected to:
- Target Pimblett’s legs with heavy kicks.
- Control distance with sharp boxing combinations.
- Avoid reckless exchanges early in the fight.
- Increase pressure as the rounds progress.
By staying patient and defensively responsible, Gaethje aims to turn the fight into a grind rather than a highlight-reel showcase for Pimblett.
The Importance of Five Rounds
Five-round fights expose weaknesses that three-round bouts often hide. Cardio, composure, and fight IQ become decisive factors.
Gaethje has gone deep into championship rounds before and knows how to manage energy over 25 minutes. Pimblett, while talented, has limited experience in five-round main events at the highest level.
If the fight reaches the later rounds, Gaethje believes his toughness and experience will start to take over.
That is where he plans to “teach a lesson” by showing Pimblett what it truly takes to survive and succeed in a title fight.
Betting Odds and Public Perception
Despite Gaethje’s resume, Pimblett enters UFC 324 as the betting favorite. This reflects the public’s belief in Pimblett’s upward trajectory and Gaethje’s reputation for taking damage in past wars.
Gaethje, however, has never been bothered by outside opinions. Throughout his career, he has embraced the role of underdog and used it as motivation.
For him, UFC 324 is about proving that experience and preparation still matter in a sport often driven by hype.
What a Win Means for Justin Gaethje
If Justin Gaethje wins at UFC 324, he becomes interim lightweight champion once again. More importantly, he positions himself for a title unification bout against Ilia Topuria upon the champion’s return.
A victory would also reinforce Gaethje’s legacy as one of the toughest and most reliable fighters in the division.
At this stage of his career, every fight carries added significance, and UFC 324 may be one of his last chances to secure undisputed gold.
What a Win Means for Paddy Pimblett
For Paddy Pimblett, beating Gaethje would be career-defining. It would silence doubts about his readiness for elite competition and instantly place him among the UFC’s top lightweights.
An interim title would also make Pimblett one of the biggest stars in the sport, combining championship status with mainstream appeal. However, reaching that level requires passing the hardest test of his career.
Final Thoughts on UFC 324 Main Event
UFC 324 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling lightweight title fights in recent memory.
Justin Gaethje’s experience, discipline, and toughness will collide with Paddy Pimblett’s confidence, momentum, and rising star power.
While Pimblett enters as the favorite, Gaethje believes the Octagon is the ultimate equalizer.
His plan is simple: take away Pimblett’s confidence early, control the fight, and remind everyone why he has remained at the top of the division for so long.
On January 24 in Las Vegas, the interim lightweight title will be decided not by hype or popularity, but by who can handle pressure, pace, and punishment when it matters most. UFC 324 will answer that question decisively.
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