Paddy Pimblett believes Justin Gaethje is feeling pressured and jittery ahead of their UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight, noting a shift in Gaethje’s usual confidence and composure.
Paddy Pimblett thinks Justin Gaethje’s feeling a bit rattled as they head into this weekend’s fight.
Saturday night, it’s Pimblett vs. Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324. An interim lightweight title is up for grabs. The first UFC event of 2026 promises excitement, but tensions have been rising all week. Pimblett’s convinced it’s affecting Gaethje.
After the ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday, the two fighters faced off one last time. Words were exchanged, but it stayed civil—Pimblett even hugged Gaethje. Later, Pimblett shared his thoughts with the UFC analyst desk, suggesting Gaethje’s under pressure.
“I think he’s a little jittery,” Pimblett said. “He’s used to the crowd being all about him, but not this weekend.”
Pimblett noticed Gaethje seemed off during a press event. When Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong got the crowd chanting “U-S-A,” Gaethje looked puzzled, like, “Why not for me?”
“It’s funny,” Pimblett added, “I got under his skin. I told him to ditch the flip-flops. He accused me of standing on tiptoes. I asked about his weight cut. ‘Great,’ he said, but it didn’t look it.”
Gaethje was the last to weigh in, making the 155-pound limit. Yet, he’s seemed edgier than usual. Meanwhile, Pimblett’s never been happier heading into a fight.
“I’ve never been so excited,” Pimblett exclaimed. “I’ve trained 16 years for this. I’m savoring every moment. Gaethje’s not.”
“If I were him, I’d enjoy it,” Pimblett advised. “You said you’d retire if you lose, so live it up.”
UFC 324 goes down on Jan. 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.