UFC star Paddy Pimblett is set to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24. The bout was announced after champion Ilia Topuria revealed he would not be defending his title in the first quarter of 2026 due to a "difficult moment" in his personal life.
Pimblett, 30, is currently fifth in the UFC's lightweight rankings and will look to make a significant move up the ranks with a victory over Gaethje. The American fighter, 37, has won nine of his 14 UFC bouts since making his debut in 2017 and has held the interim title before.
Topuria, who took the title after knocking out Charles Oliveira in July, announced that he would be taking a break from fighting to focus on his personal life. "I won't be fighting in the first quarter of next year," he wrote on X. "I'm going through a difficult moment in my personal life... I don't want to hold up the division."
Pimblett's title shot comes despite him not holding a win over any fighter in the current top 10. Armenia's Arman Tsarukyan recently solidified his number one ranking by beating Dan Hooker, and he has called for a title bout against Topuria.
Gaethje's next fight will be at UFC 324, where he faces Pimblett in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The American fighter is coming off a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fizief in his last bout, and will look to make a statement with a victory over the Liverpool-based fighter.
The event at the T-Mobile Arena will also see American bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defend her title against the returning Amanda Nunes.
Pimblett, 30, is currently fifth in the UFC's lightweight rankings and will look to make a significant move up the ranks with a victory over Gaethje. The American fighter, 37, has won nine of his 14 UFC bouts since making his debut in 2017 and has held the interim title before.
Topuria, who took the title after knocking out Charles Oliveira in July, announced that he would be taking a break from fighting to focus on his personal life. "I won't be fighting in the first quarter of next year," he wrote on X. "I'm going through a difficult moment in my personal life... I don't want to hold up the division."
Pimblett's title shot comes despite him not holding a win over any fighter in the current top 10. Armenia's Arman Tsarukyan recently solidified his number one ranking by beating Dan Hooker, and he has called for a title bout against Topuria.
Gaethje's next fight will be at UFC 324, where he faces Pimblett in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The American fighter is coming off a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fizief in his last bout, and will look to make a statement with a victory over the Liverpool-based fighter.
The event at the T-Mobile Arena will also see American bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defend her title against the returning Amanda Nunes.
he's been grinding for years and now he's finally getting his chance to shine! i mean, the guy is a beast in the octagon and i think he's got this title shot coming to him. TOPURIA'S DECISION TO TAKE A BREAK FROM FIGHTING IS SUPER CONFUSING, THOUGH... i guess we'll just have to wait and see how things play out with HIM. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT GAETHJE FOR A SECOND?! HE'S BEEN ON FIRE LATELY AND I LOVE HOW EXCITED HE LOOKS FOR THIS FIGHT! 
I'm so stoked about this upcoming fight!!! Paddy Pimblett is going to bring the noise against Justin Gaethje! 
Although Topuria's not gonna be able to defend his title, it's awesome that he's prioritizing his personal life. We got a new challenger coming in, and it's Arman Tsarukyan! 
Can't wait for UFC 324, gonna be lit!! 
... it's gonna be an interesting matchup, but I'm leaning towards Pimblett pulling off the upset 
I guess it's not all bad for Pimblett, he gets to jump up the ranks and show everyone what he's got. And meanwhile, Gaethje is just trying to keep his momentum going... fingers crossed that fight doesn't end in a boring decision 
think he's got what it takes to beat justin gaethje though? 
not sure if he can take down america's top fighter, but it'll definitely be a wild fight 
, if he can get past Gaethje, watch out for the rest of the division! 
. paddy pimblett's gonna be so hyped for this title shot tho! gotta respect the guy's determination, even if he doesn't have any wins over top 10 opponents yet. and omg kayla harrison vs amanda Nunes at UFC 324? already getting me excited 
but anyway cant wait 2 see kayla harrison vs amanda Nunes!!!