Justin Gaethje views his upcoming fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 as his last opportunity to win the interim lightweight title and potentially face Ilia Topuria, marking the culmination of his career.
Justin Gaethje senses the end is near.
In January, he’ll face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title. With champion Ilia Topuria on a break, this might be Gaethje’s last shot at the belt. At 37, he knows the stakes are high.
“It’d be foolish to think this is the start of my career,” Gaethje shared on YouTube. “This is my last chance. Winning the interim title means everything. Then, I get to face Ilia, who’s the toughest in the division.”
Gaethje has always fought top competition. “I haven’t been perfect every night,” he admits. With 38 fights, including 31 professional ones, perfection is elusive. But the goal now? Perfection for 25 minutes.
A former World Series of Fighting champ, Gaethje has tasted success in the UFC. He won an interim title against Tony Ferguson in 2020 and held the “BMF” title. Yet, the undisputed lightweight crown remains out of reach.
“I plan to fight perfectly,” Gaethje declared. “When I do, beating me takes luck. But it’s about one day at a time. I’m working hard, preparing to knock Paddy out and earn my shot.”
And after that? Gaethje’s taking it one step at a time. “If I beat Ilia, we’ll see what happens,” he said. “Right now, it’s all about Paddy.”
UFC 324 is set for Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.