Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje etched his name deeper into UFC history Saturday night on the T-Mobile Arena, becoming only the second fighter ever to win the interim lightweight championship twice. The 37-year-old veteran dominated Paddy Pimblett over five rounds, securing a dominant unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) within the UFC 324 foremost event and positioning himself because the mandatory challenger for reigning champion Ilia Topuria’s crown.
Ceaselessly linked! 🎞️🏆 @Justin_Gaethje defeats Paddy Pimblett in our #UFC324 foremost event! pic.twitter.com/tqsW0La4wL
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) January 25, 2026
For Gaethje, this victory represents a career-defining moment in what could thoroughly be his final push for undisputed gold. Coming off a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway just over a yr ago, “The Highlight” faced real questions on whether he still possessed the tools to compete on the championship level. Against Pimblett, a surging contender riding an ideal 7-0 UFC record, Gaethje answered emphatically—delivering the sort of disciplined, calculated performance that after eluded him early in his profession.
Justin Gaethje’s getting absolutely lit up with no defense in any respect
But walked all the way through them and manages to knock paddy pimblett downMotion packed round 1
It’s a matter of who’s chin goes to offer first #ufc324 pic.twitter.com/j45r8NLJKV
— Kevin Thang (@Skip2MyJays) January 25, 2026
The dominant scorecards underscore Gaethje’s command throughout the competition. While Pimblett’s wrestling pedigree suggested potential pathways to victory, Gaethje’s underrated takedown defense and superior footwork shut down the Englishman’s grappling attacks. More significantly, Gaethje’s striking output—delivered along with his characteristic aggression but tempered by tactical awareness—overwhelmed Pimblett across all five rounds. The American’s jab established distance, his kicks punished the body, and his mixtures kept Pimblett perpetually backpedaling.
The interim belt is now Gaethje’s again. The query now pivots to Ilia Topuria’s timeline. The reigning champion is currently on personal leave, creating an intriguing scenario: Does Gaethje defend the interim title, or does the UFC fast-track him on to an undisputed championship fight? Either way, Saturday proved that at 37 years old, Gaethje stays a legitimate threat in one in every of the game’s deepest divisions. For a fighter who has tasted defeat at championship level twice before, this interim crown offers something precious—yet one more shot at history.