By Harshit
LAS VEGAS, JAN. 25, 2026 — Justin Gaethje reclaimed UFC gold Saturday night, defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in a brutal five-round main event at UFC 324 inside T-Mobile Arena.
The victory earned Gaethje the interim UFC lightweight championship and capped the promotion’s first pay-per-view under its new $7.7 billion Paramount broadcast deal, opening a new era with an instant classic.
Judges scored the bout 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Gaethje, who leaned on experience, power, and timely momentum shifts to survive Pimblett’s relentless pressure.
A Career-Defining Night for Gaethje
At 37, Gaethje entered UFC 324 with little margin for error. Widely regarded as one of the most violent action fighters in MMA history, the former interim champion delivered once again, earning his 14th post-fight bonus-level performance in just as many UFC appearances.
Despite absorbing heavy combinations and leg kicks early, Gaethje’s right hand repeatedly changed the fight’s direction, rocking Pimblett in the later rounds and controlling the most damaging exchanges.
“That Scouser was not going to get knocked out,” Gaethje said post-fight. “I love this sport too much sometimes. Tough kid. Dangerous kid.”
Pimblett’s Rise Continues — Even in Defeat
For Pimblett, the loss snapped an unbeaten UFC run but did little to diminish his growing star power. The 31-year-old Liverpudlian showed durability, volume, and late-fight urgency, winning multiple rounds on several scorecards.
Pimblett absorbed shots that would have finished most contenders, repeatedly pushing forward and forcing Gaethje to fight at a punishing pace for 25 minutes.
Co-Main Event: O’Malley Makes Statement
Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley returned in strong form, defeating Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28 across all cards).
The win positions O’Malley squarely back in the title conversation, with a potential matchup against Petr Yan looming.
UFC 324 – Main Card Results
- Interim Lightweight Championship:
Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett — Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) - Bantamweight:
Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong — Unanimous Decision - Heavyweight:
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Derrick Lewis — TKO (R2, 3:14) - Women’s Flyweight:
Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas — Unanimous Decision - Featherweight:
Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen — Unanimous Decision
Live Round-by-Round: Gaethje vs. Pimblett (Main Event)
Round 1: Pimblett sets pace early, mixing jabs and leg kicks. Gaethje absorbs damage but lands a late right.
Round 2: Gaethje increases pressure, landing cleaner power shots while defending takedowns.
Round 3: Pimblett rebounds with volume striking and kicks, edging the round.
Round 4: Momentum swing — Gaethje drops Pimblett, batters him along the fence.
Round 5: Wild exchanges, Pimblett surges late, but Gaethje controls clinch and damage.
What Comes Next?
Gaethje now awaits a potential title unification bout against reigning champion Ilia Topuria, while Pimblett remains a top-five contender with undeniable drawing power.
UFC could not have scripted a better launch for its Paramount era.