BREAKING: An exhilarating interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is set to headline UFC 324 on January 24 at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This urgent announcement came from UFC CEO Dana White during an NFL game on Thursday, igniting excitement among MMA fans worldwide.
The event marks a significant moment as it will be the first under the UFC’s new domestic broadcast deal with Paramount+, featuring a main card start time of 9 p.m. ET. This fight is critical for both fighters as it comes amidst changing dynamics in the lightweight division.
With reigning champion Ilia Topuria (17-0) stepping back for personal reasons, Gaethje (26-5) and Pimblett (23-3) will vie for the interim title, ensuring the division remains active. Topuria stated earlier on social media, “I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.”
Gaethje, a seasoned fighter who last competed in March, expressed that he would consider retirement if not given a title shot. He earned this opportunity after knocking out Dustin Poirier in 2023. However, after a devastating loss to Max Holloway in a BMF bout, he is eager to reclaim his standing in the division.
Pimblett, emerging as a fan favorite since joining the UFC in 2021, has remained undefeated in the Octagon, boasting impressive victories over fighters like Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler. The stakes are high, with the winner poised to face Topuria for a unification bout later this year.
In addition to the main event, the co-main event will feature a thrilling matchup as women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison (19-1) defends her title against former champion Amanda Nunes (23-5), who is making her return to the Octagon after retiring in June 2023.
White also confirmed appearances from several former champions, including Sean O’Malley (18-3), who will fight Song Yadong (22-8-1), and a meeting between Alexa Grasso (16-5-1) and Rose Namajunas (15-7) at flyweight. Heavyweight Derrick Lewis (29-12) is set to face rising contender Waldo Cortes Acosta (16-2), while ranked featherweights Arnold Allen (20-3) and Jean Silva (16-3) will also compete.
With the UFC 324 card shaping up to be a blockbuster event, fans are eagerly awaiting these matchups. Stay tuned for further updates as we approach fight night!