Justin Gaethje headlines a new chapter for the UFC this Saturday, as he battles Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, as pros picked their winner.
The event marks the promotion’s debut on Paramount+ under its new $7.7 billion media rights agreement. Gaethje is looking to capture his second interim championship. Gaethje rebooted his career with a decision win over Rafael Fiziev in March 2025, a win that erased the memory of his last-second loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
“The more I hear him talk, the more I want to hurt him. He’s weird. But in a good way. He goes left when you’re supposed to go right. And these are things that I’m going to have to figure out early. Great grappling, terrible wrestler. So we’ll see if you can take me down. I just have to turn his lights off for one second,” Gaethje stated
“You’ve got to beat your heroes to become one of them and I’ve always loved watching Justin Gaethje fight. No stone will be left unturned in the build-up to this fight. He’s a legend. He’s your favourite fighter’s favourite fighter. He’s one of mine and obviously I’m going to feel bad beating him up, but once you’re in the cage it’s different. I thought that Michael Chandler was a nice fella and then look how his face was when we finished the fight,” Pimblett said
Predictions
I’m going with the hometown guy, Paddy Pimblett. He’s on his rise right now. Gaethje is dangerous, but he’s on his way out. It’s Paddy’s time right now. I think he can finish Gaethje, as he has the grappling and also has heavy hands. — Modestas Bukauskas (UFC light heavyweight)
That is a tough one. I love watching both of them. I’m going with Paddy Pimblett. I think it’s his time. He just seems like he has the confidence and has the ability to finish anyone. — Mario Bautista (UFC bantamweight)
I’m going with Gaethje. I’m friends with him and a huge Gaethje fan, how can you not be? It’s a big test for both of them, but I think Gaethje’s experience will be the difference. He can also wrestle if needed. — Dustin Jacoby (UFC light heavyweight)
That one is interesting. I do think Paddy can get it done. It does seem like it’s his time. — Gillian Robertson (UFC strawweight)
I always go with my heart, and my heart leans toward Gaethje. I love watching him fight, and he’s always putting on entertaining fights. Although Paddy is on a tear, Gaethje is a different animal. — Adam Fugitt (UFC welterweight)