Overview
- UFC 324 takes place Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the winner expected to face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria to unify the lightweight titles.
- Head coach Trevor Wittman says Justin Gaethje is not treating this as a retirement bout, framing it as a final title run rather than a gatekeeper phase.
- Gaethje says he will force Pimblett into wrestling exchanges and capitalize on mistakes, while Pimblett vows to keep it standing and cites Max Holloway’s approach as a blueprint.
- Pimblett defends his rapid rise and title shot against criticism from fans and contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan, saying his seven-fight UFC win streak justifies the opportunity.
- UFC 324 marks the promotion’s U.S. debut on Paramount+ instead of pay-per-view, and the co-main event of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes was removed days ago after Harrison suffered a neck injury.