- Paddy Pimblett postponed his 31st birthday celebrations to focus on UFC 324.
- He will face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas.
- Pimblett trained through Christmas and aims to make the 155 lb weight limit.
- Winner of UFC 324 is expected to get a shot at undisputed champion Ilia Topuria later in 2026.
H2 — Pimblett puts party plans on hold
Paddy Pimblett, the liverpudlian fan favorite known as “The Baddy,” turned 31 but chose to delay any celebration until after his biggest fight to date. The lightweight star told followers that his birthday is “on hold” until January 24, the night he meets Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Pimblett has trained through the holidays and sacrificed a traditional celebration to sharpen his preparation. The decision underscores how seriously he is taking the opportunity: the winner in Las Vegas is expected to be next in line to challenge undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
H2 — Embedded social post
Embedded post (Paddy Pimblett video on social):
“What’s happening people? I want to thank everyone for all the kind birthday messages… But my birthday is on hold until January 24 when we’ll be having a birthday celebration and world title celebration the same night.” — Paddy Pimblett
H3 — Weight, form and stakes
Pimblett will aim to hit the lightweight limit of 155 lb for only the second time since joining the UFC. He usually enters camp around 156 lb and has worked to dial in his weight and conditioning for this fight. The extra discipline — training through Christmas and skipping festivities — is a clear bid to arrive in peak shape.
The bout carries high stakes. The interim lightweight belt is on the line, and the winner is widely expected to earn a later showdown with Ilia Topuria for undisputed gold. For Pimblett, that pathway would mark the most pivotal stretch of his career.
H3 — Styles and matchup notes
Pimblett arrives with a record that includes 10 submissions across 23 wins, showcasing his grappling threat. Gaethje, a heavy-handed pressure fighter, has been submitted twice in three UFC divisional title fights — a stat Pimblett’s team will study closely.
Both men present contrasting problems: Pimblett’s guard-pulling and submission game versus Gaethje’s wrestling defense and knockout power. Pundits and fans expect a tactical chess match as each tries to impose their strengths without giving the other an opening.
H4 — What fans should watch
- See whether Pimblett can control range and secure takedowns to use his submission game.
- Watch Gaethje’s ability to close distance and land fight-changing strikes.
- Note weight, cardio and mid-fight adjustments — these will likely decide the late rounds.
H5 — Road to Jan. 24
Pimblett’s decision to postpone birthday plans signals how much this fight means to him. With the lightweight title picture in flux, UFC 324 in Las Vegas promises to be a defining night for both fighters and could set the tone for the division’s next chapter.
Image Referance: https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/01/04/paddy-pimblett-cancels-birthday-celebrations-as-ufc-324-title-fight-moves-closer/
