Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title headlines UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the UFC’s first live event on Paramount+. Pimblett says he will stand with Gaethje and score a knockout before the fourth round, rejecting a grappling-first approach despite entering 7-0 in the UFC after a TKO of Michael Chandler. The booking has drawn criticism for passing over top contender Arman Tsarukyan, intensifying debate over rankings versus marketability in lightweight matchmaking. Charles Oliveira says a March BMF win over Max Holloway at UFC 326 would make him the next title challenger and claims he outsells both UFC 324 headliners, though his path remains his assertion. Analysts and ex-champ Eddie Alvarez point to Gaethje’s jiu-jitsu as a potential vulnerability Pimblett could exploit on the mat, contrasting with Pimblett’s stated plan to trade on the feet.
