• Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to win the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 324.
  • Gaethje scored multiple knockdowns and outlanded Pimblett 219-177 in total strikes.
  • Judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 for Gaethje.
  • The win sets up a likely unification fight with undisputed champion Ilia Topuria.

Gaethje survives and thrives in a wild main event

Justin Gaethje (27-5) further burnished his reputation as one of MMA’s most exciting fighters by taking a unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett (23-4) at UFC 324 inside T-Mobile Arena. The action-packed main event went the distance, with official judges’ scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 in Gaethje’s favor.

Key moments and stats

Gaethje knocked Pimblett down multiple times across the fight and landed more total strikes (219 to Pimblett’s 177), according to UFC Stats. Despite absorbing several body and leg kicks from Pimblett, Gaethje continually pressed forward, turning the bout into the kind of high-octane slugfest fans expect from him.

“That Scouser does not get knocked out,” Gaethje said after the fight, referencing Pimblett’s famous claim about fighters from Liverpool. “This is a crazy sport, an amazing life, and I’m so thankful to share it with you guys.”

What’s next: Topuria unification looming

The interim belt win positions Gaethje for a unification matchup with undisputed 155-pound champion Ilia Topuria. Promoters have floated the possibility of the fight taking place in June, with even a White House appearance speculated in some coverage. For now, Gaethje’s victory restores him to the forefront of the lightweight picture.

Pimblett’s first UFC loss, but not without positives

Paddy Pimblett, who entered the night undefeated in the UFC at 7-0, suffered his first promotion loss but showed durability and crowd-pleasing offense. Even in defeat, Pimblett landed solid strikes and reminded fans why he became a breakout star. Analysts noted that while Pimblett’s kicks and volume troubled Gaethje at times, he couldn’t string together enough consistent success to sway the judges.

Watch the finish: Embedded video

Watch: Justin Gaethje beats Paddy Pimblett in epic main event (0:52) — official highlights and embedded video from ESPN: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/47721469/gaethje-wins-interim-title-slugfest-pimblett-ufc-324

What this means for the division

Gaethje’s win reshapes the 155-pound title landscape. With an interim champion now in place, the stage is set for a high-profile unification fight that could define the lightweight division for months to come. Fans can expect the UFC to move quickly to finalize that showdown.

Short, punchy and decisive, Gaethje’s performance at UFC 324 reminded the MMA world why he remains must-see TV.

Image Referance: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/47721469/gaethje-wins-interim-title-slugfest-pimblett-ufc-324