Justin Gaethje Prepares for Interim Title Fight Against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324
Justin Gaethje is gearing up for an unexpected shift in approach as he prepares to face Paddy Pimblett in the main event of UFC 324 in January 2026. With lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announcing a hiatus from competition, the UFC quickly booked an interim title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett. This matchup is expected to be a clash of contrasting skill sets, with Gaethje’s striking prowess pitted against Pimblett’s wrestling-heavy approach.
Gaethje, an accomplished NCAA Division I wrestler, has largely focused on showcasing his striking skills in his MMA career. However, he claims to be fully prepared to handle Pimblett’s grappling-based game plan. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Gaethje discussed his upcoming title fight and expressed his confidence in his ability to navigate Pimblett’s wrestling. He pointed out that he has already faced some of the UFC’s most elite grapplers, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
Justin Gaethje Teases Shock Submission Upset at UFC 324
Gaethje revealed that he has been working on refining his grappling skills since his loss to Oliveira, and he’s now more comfortable with the idea of engaging in grappling exchanges. He even hinted at the possibility of submitting Pimblett, although he acknowledges that it’s a long shot. “The Highlight” stated, “Ultimately, he’s a really good grappler, but since the Charles Oliveira fight, I’ve really, really trained a lot of jiu-jitsu, a lot of grappling, and I’ve actually been enjoying it a lot more than I ever have. So I’m not looking to grapple, but I have no issue with the grappling department, and my ability to keep people from taking me down is second to none.”
Gaethje’s last appearance in the Octagon was at UFC 313, where he earned a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev in their rematch. The 37-year-old Arizona native has gone 4-3 in his last seven fights and holds an overall UFC record of 9-5. As he prepares to face Pimblett, Gaethje is looking to become the UFC’s first two-time interim champion and set up a future title unification bout with Topuria.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
According to MMA experts, the matchup between Gaethje and Pimblett is expected to be a closely contested bout. While Pimblett’s wrestling skills will undoubtedly pose a challenge for Gaethje, the latter’s improved grappling skills and striking prowess make him a formidable opponent. As the fight approaches, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of this exciting interim title bout.
As the UFC 324 event draws near, fans can expect an exciting and action-packed bout between Gaethje and Pimblett. With both fighters looking to prove themselves as top contenders in the lightweight division, this interim title fight is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Will Gaethje’s improved grappling skills and striking prowess be enough to take down Pimblett, or will the latter’s wrestling-heavy approach prove to be the deciding factor? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this fight is not to be missed.
