Overview
- UFC president Dana White announced Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett as the UFC 324 main event on January 24 for an interim lightweight belt following Ilia Topuria’s planned break.
- Former Gaethje opponent Eddie Alvarez told reporter Mike Bohn that Gaethje’s jiu-jitsu is the area Pimblett can most effectively exploit.
- Pimblett said he expects a finish at UFC 324 and declared the fight will not go to the judges, calling Gaethje a legend he is eager to face.
- On December 3 in Liverpool, Pimblett took part in a No Limits Boxing charity exhibition featuring athletes with disabilities and was playfully knocked out by George “GGG” Goetzee, who is identified as having Down syndrome in social media posts cited by coverage.
- The matchup has drawn criticism from observers who argue Pimblett has not earned a title shot and benefited from favorable matchmaking.