UFC returns to the T-Mobile Arena this Saturday for its first major card of 2026, UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett. This event marks a historic shift for the promotion, serving as the debut of the Paramount+ era and the first non-PPV numbered event in the U.S. in four years. 

At the center of it all is a legacy-defining clash for the Interim Lightweight Championship between the veteran "Highlight," Justin Gaethje (26–5), and Liverpool’s rising superstar, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett (23–3). Fans are buzzing because both guys bring fireworks, Gaethje with his knockout power and Pimblett with his slick submissions. It's set to be a wild battle between experience and rising momentum.

Meet the Fighters

Justin Gaethje: The Iron Warrior

Justin Gaethje has a record of 26-5. He's one of the toughest lightweights in UFC history. His last big loss was a shocking last-second knockout to Max Holloway at UFC 300 – a brutal BMF title fight. But Gaethje bounced back strongly. In 2025, he beat Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision in their rematch. That win showed he's still elite. Gaethje loves to pressure opponents with low kicks, powerful boxing, and endless durability. As noted in UFC's "Fighters on the Rise" article, he's faced the best and keeps coming forward.

Stats that stand out:

• 6.59 significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) – he hits hard and often.
• 68% takedown defense – tough to take down.
• Proven against top strikers.

Gaethje walks into UFC 324 ready to chop legs and trade bombs.

Paddy Pimblett: The Scouse Sensation

Paddy Pimblett is 23-3 and on fire with a seven-fight winning streak in UFC. The Liverpool native (aka "The Baddy") is undefeated in the promotion. His latest win? A third-round stoppage over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 using nasty elbows. Before that, he submitted King Green and outworked Tony Ferguson. Yahoo Sports highlights how Pimblett's grappling shines in chaos, with 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes. He throws over 5 significant strikes per minute at 50%+ accuracy and has 10 career submissions.

Key edges:

• Three-inch reach advantage over Gaethje.
• Loves scrambles on the ground for guillotines, back-takes, and triangles.
• High cardio to drag fights into deep waters.

Pimblett enters as the surging underdog with momentum.

Why Justin Gaethje Can Win

Gaethje's experience is his biggest weapon. He's faced killers like Holloway, Fiziev, and others. Pimblett hasn't dealt with this level of violence yet. Gaethje's low kicks (part of his leg-kick system) cripple movement, forcing Paddy to lunge desperately. With his power boxing, Gaethje lands clean combos on Pimblett's upright, open defense.

Pimblett's grappling is dangerous (1.7 subs/15 min), but Gaethje's 68% takedown defense and balance shut that down. Over three rounds, Gaethje chops legs, imposes pace, and racks up damage.

Why Paddy Pimblett Can Win

Pimblett flips the script by avoiding Gaethje's brawl. He uses his reach and long kicks to jab, draw counters, then clinch into scrambles. On the mat, his transitions shine, Gaethje has been submitted twice in losses. Pimblett's volume (5+ strikes/min) scores points while taxing Gaethje's tank.

If leg trades lead to grappling, Pimblett thrives in chaos. UFC previews note his finishing instincts.

Paddy Pimblett @ Justin Gaethje - (Over 2.5)

Justin Gaethje, at 37, is entering what many believe could be his final title run. He has evolved from a reckless brawler into a calculated technician, coming off a disciplined unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev in 2025. While Gaethje holds an 81% finishing rate, his recent path has seen him drag high-level strikers like Fiziev into deep waters, using a punishing leg-kick game to slow the pace and bank rounds. His veteran experience in five-round championship battles gives him a distinct advantage in managing a long-distance fight.

Paddy Pimblett enters the biggest night of his career on a seven-fight UFC winning streak. After a statement TKO victory over Michael Chandler last April, Pimblett has silenced many doubters regarding his place among the elite. While "The Baddy" is known for his opportunistic grappling and 11 career submissions, he has shown an iron chin and an ability to survive early storms. In a 25-minute fight, Pimblett’s path to victory involves forcing scrambles and neutralizing Gaethje's power, which often results in extended periods of clinch work and grappling that bleed the clock.

The total for this five-round main event is set at 2.5 rounds, and the "Over" (-120) presents significant value. Both men have everything to lose, Gaethje his last shot at gold, and Pimblett his undefeated UFC aura. Expect a tactical first two rounds as Gaethje focuses on the legs and Pimblett looks to find his range without overextending into a counter. With the winner set to unify the belt against Ilia Topuria later this year, neither fighter can afford a reckless mistake in the opening 12.5 minutes.

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