Gaethje Upsets Pimblett to Win Interim UFC Lightweight Title
Gaethje beat Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on Jan. 24, 2026, to win the interim lightweight belt.
Overview
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, 2026, in Las Vegas to capture the interim UFC lightweight title, with UFC-posted scorecards reading 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46.
The event was the first numbered UFC card on Paramount+ under a seven-year, $7.7 billion media-rights deal with TKO Group, making ratings and subscriptions a key test of the league's new distribution strategy, records show.
UFC CEO Dana White said the Paramount+ broadcast “exceeded expectations by double” and called early metrics promising, remarks officials confirmed after the main event.
Gaethje improved his professional record to 27-5 while Paddy Pimblett fell to 23-4-0, UFC records show after the five-round main event.
UFC officials said Justin Gaethje's interim title victory positions him for an undisputed title shot against Ilia Topuria when Topuria returns in 2026 after stepping away in November 2025.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this UFC result with neutral, factual reporting: play-by-play details, judges' scores, and multiple direct quotes are foregrounded. Editorial language is minimal; evaluative terms appear as attributed quotes (e.g., "legend," "exceeded expectations"). Coverage balances sporting action with business context and last-minute card changes.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The judges scored the fight 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 in favor of Justin Gaethje by unanimous decision.
Justin Gaethje improved to 27-5, while Paddy Pimblett fell to 23-4-0.
Gaethje is positioned for a title unification bout against Ilia Topuria when Topuria returns in 2026.
UFC CEO Dana White stated the Paramount+ broadcast exceeded expectations by double, with promising early metrics.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.