Overview
- UFC 324 will headline Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as the promotion’s first Paramount+ main event.
- Pimblett says he intends to stand and knock out Gaethje, predicting the fight will not go past the third round rather than leaning on a grappling-heavy approach.
- Former champion Eddie Alvarez argues Gaethje’s relative vulnerability is jiu-jitsu and suggests Pimblett’s best path is to force scrambles and ground exchanges.
- Charles Oliveira says a BMF victory over Max Holloway in March could push him ahead of the interim winner, and he warns Pimblett risks a knockout if he trades strikes with Gaethje.
- Dana White has indicated the interim winner will later unify with Topuria upon his return, while controversy persists over Arman Tsarukyan being passed over for the interim shot.