Gaethje Walks Back Retirement Ultimatum as Pimblett Confronts Doubters Before UFC 324 Interim Title Fight

Overview

• UFC 324 is set for January 24 in Las Vegas as the promotion’s Paramount+/CBS debut, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
• Gaethje told TNT Sports his prior retire-or-title stance was largely driven by manager Ali Abdelaziz and noted the interim slot pays at championship levels.
• Pimblett said critics will keep "moving the goalposts" regardless of outcomes and outlined a public plan to beat Gaethje, then Ilia Topuria, then defend against Arman Tsarukyan.
• The booking continues to draw scrutiny because Gaethje and Pimblett are ranked Nos. 4 and 5, while No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan was available but not selected.
• Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski predicted Pimblett would win, citing the Brit’s adherence to a game plan in his last outing.