Paddy Pimblett is set to fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, aiming to prove his critics wrong and make 2026 a landmark year in his career.
Paddy Pimblett’s gearing up for an unforgettable 2026. On Thanksgiving, the UFC announced his bout against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324. It’s Pimblett’s first shot at a UFC title, and “The Baddy” is thrilled to keep proving the naysayers wrong.
In a UFC video, Gaethje said, “Me and Gaethje now for the world title. It’s interim, people are going to say, ‘Ah, it’s only interim,’ but I’m fighting for the world title.” He’s used to the shifting goalposts.
“Once I finish Gaethje, it’s going to be, ‘Oh, he was 37, retiring, on his way out,’” Pimblett remarked. “When I first signed, it was, ‘He’s going to get knocked out by Vendramini,’ and now it’s ‘Justin Gaethje’s going to knock him out.’ But once I beat him, it’ll be, ‘Oh, he was old.’ I’m used to it.”
Pimblett insists he’s evolved since his fight with Vendramini in 2021. Despite criticism, he’s unbeaten in the UFC. Wins over Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler were controversial, but a successful 2026 could silence critics for good.
“First time I’ve fought in January,” Pimblett shared. “It’s going to ruin me Christmas dinner and birthday, but lifting that world title will make it worth it.”
He’s determined to make 2026 his year, eyeing the interim title and then the undisputed one. “If little posh boy [Arman Tsarukyan] fights and keeps his ranking, I’ll punch his head in as well.”
UFC 324 is set for Jan. 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.