Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett Full Fight – UFC 324

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Published on July 2, 2026 by administrator

The interim UFC lightweight championship was on the line as veteran brawler Justin Gaethje faced the unbeaten-in-the-UFC Paddy Pimblett in the main event of UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The matchup paired Gaethje’s devastating leg kicks and relentless pressure against Pimblett’s unorthodox striking and dangerous grappling. Over five grueling rounds, the two produced one of the year’s most entertaining fights, earning Fight of the Night honors.

Round 1

Pimblett surprised many by taking the center of the Octagon early, pumping out long jabs and front kicks while constantly switching stances. Gaethje patiently stalked forward, chopping at Pimblett’s lead leg with heavy calf kicks whenever the Englishman settled into range.

Midway through the round, Gaethje found his rhythm. A crushing right hand clipped Pimblett during an exchange, briefly forcing him backward before another vicious low kick buckled his lead leg. Pimblett recovered well, answering with quick combinations and even threatening a takedown late in the round, but Gaethje’s heavier strikes and constant pressure earned him the opening frame.

Round 2

The second round was fought at an even faster pace. Pimblett mixed his attacks beautifully, firing knees from the clinch before shooting for a takedown. Gaethje defended brilliantly, using underhooks and balance to stay upright before separating with elbows.

Moments later, Gaethje landed the biggest shot of the fight to that point—a perfectly timed overhand right that dropped Pimblett to a knee. Although badly hurt, Pimblett recovered quickly, surviving a furious barrage by tying Gaethje up against the fence.

The final minute featured wild exchanges in the center of the cage as both men landed clean combinations, sending the Las Vegas crowd into a frenzy.

Round 3

Knowing he was behind on the scorecards, Pimblett adjusted by increasing his volume. He repeatedly attacked the body and finally secured his first successful takedown after catching one of Gaethje’s kicks.

While Pimblett briefly controlled position, Gaethje calmly worked back to his feet without absorbing significant damage. Once standing, the American immediately resumed punishing the legs and body, slowing Pimblett’s movement.

The round remained competitive, with Pimblett landing sharp combinations while Gaethje continued to connect with the cleaner power punches.

Round 4

Fatigue began to show, but neither fighter slowed down. Gaethje’s relentless leg kicks had visibly damaged Pimblett’s mobility, yet “The Baddy” refused to retreat, continuing to exchange punches in the pocket.

Late in the round, Gaethje scored another momentum-changing moment by dropping Pimblett with a thunderous left hook. Pimblett immediately scrambled to his feet and survived the remainder of the round through grit and intelligent defensive movement.

Despite Pimblett’s toughness, Gaethje’s experience and superior shot selection appeared to give him another round.

Round 5

Entering the final round, both men emptied their gas tanks. Pimblett marched forward looking for a finish, throwing combinations and attempting desperate takedowns, while Gaethje answered with crushing counters and punishing kicks.

The final minute became an all-out firefight. Both fighters stood toe-to-toe in the middle of the Octagon, exchanging punches to the delight of the crowd. Neither man backed down despite visible damage and exhaustion.

When the horn sounded after twenty-five unforgettable minutes, both fighters embraced in a show of mutual respect after one of the toughest battles of their careers.

Official Result: Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) after five rounds to capture the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Gaethje scored two knockdowns, landed the more damaging strikes, and successfully defended all five of Pimblett’s takedown attempts according to the official statistics. The bout was later awarded Fight of the Night.

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