January 25, 2026 — UFC 324 delivered a shock that rippled through the lightweight division as Paddy Pimblett defeated Justin Gaethje, producing the biggest win of his UFC career and dramatically reshaping expectations around his rise in the sport.
The main event, billed as a crucial test for Pimblett against one of the division’s most battle tested fighters, ended with the Liverpool native emerging victorious after a grueling contest that showcased discipline, durability, and composure under pressure.
How the fight unfolded
Gaethje entered the bout as the experienced power striker, pressing forward early and looking to dictate the pace with leg kicks and heavy exchanges. Pimblett weathered the opening pressure, choosing movement and timing over reckless engagement.
As the fight progressed, Pimblett mixed striking with well timed grappling exchanges, limiting Gaethje’s ability to settle into a rhythm. Key moments in the later rounds saw Pimblett control positioning and land cleaner combinations, forcing Gaethje to fight defensively for stretches.
Judges ultimately awarded Pimblett the win, marking the first loss for Gaethje in a significant stretch and signaling a major shift in the lightweight landscape.
Pimblett’s breakout moment
The victory represents a turning point for Pimblett, who entered UFC 324 with momentum but lingering doubts about how he would fare against elite competition. Beating a former interim champion answered those questions decisively.
Post fight, Pimblett acknowledged the magnitude of the win, calling it validation of years of preparation and patience. He emphasized execution over emotion, noting that staying calm was critical against a fighter known for chaos.
Gaethje absorbs rare setback
For Gaethje, the loss is a notable setback in his pursuit of another title run. Known for resilience and high output wars, he struggled to impose his usual tempo as Pimblett disrupted exchanges and avoided prolonged firefights.
Gaethje remained respectful afterward, crediting Pimblett’s game plan and acknowledging that adjustments would be needed moving forward.
Key results from UFC 324
Beyond the main event, UFC 324 featured several decisive performances across the card, with multiple finishes and competitive decisions shaping future matchups. The prelims delivered high pace action, while the main card underscored the depth of talent across divisions.
Officials confirmed no major injuries following the event, and several fighters used post fight interviews to signal interest in upcoming bouts later in the year.
What this means for the lightweight division
Pimblett’s win immediately places him among legitimate contenders, accelerating discussions about future matchups against top ranked opponents. Matchmakers now face pressure to fast track his next fight given the scale of the upset.
Meanwhile, Gaethje’s path remains open but more complicated, as the division continues to crowd with emerging challengers.
UFC 324 will be remembered less for predictions and more for its outcome. A night expected to test hype instead confirmed a new reality, with Paddy Pimblett leaving the Octagon as a proven force in the lightweight division.
