The stage is set for one of the most electrifying nights in recent UFC history, as the charismatic Scouser, Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett, steps into his first championship opportunity. His next fight headlines UFC 324 against the human highlight reel, Justin Gaethje, with the interim lightweight title hanging in the balance. This isn’t just another main event; it’s a cultural moment, a clash of eras, and a pivotal point in the career of one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars. The entire combat sports world is buzzing with a single question: Can the beloved Liverpool lad with the famous haircut and magnetic personality overcome one of the most vicious and experienced veterans the 155-pound division has ever seen? For Pimblett, this is the culmination of a meticulously planned journey—a journey he once delayed by turning down the UFC twice, believing he wasn’t ready. Now, at 31 and riding a perfect 7-0 UFC streak, he insists he is the “complete fighter,” and on January 24, 2026, at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena, he gets the ultimate chance to prove it. The stakes couldn’t be higher, the spotlight couldn’t be brighter, and for fans wondering about Paddy Pimblett next fight, the wait is over for a spectacle that promises fireworks.
The Road to the Title Shot: How Paddy Earned His Shot at Gold
Paddy Pimblett’s path to a title fight has been a masterclass in building momentum, both inside the cage and in the public eye. His undefeated run in the UFC, while criticized by some for its matchmaking, features decisive finishes over notable names like Tony Ferguson and a stunning third-round TKO of Michael Chandler that catapulted him to fifth in the rankings. However, his journey to this Paddy Pimblett next fight began long before his UFC debut. As a prodigious talent in Cage Warriors, where he won a world title at 21, Pimblett displayed the unique blend of slick grappling and brash confidence that would become his trademark. Interestingly, his current status as a headline act was never a foregone conclusion. In a revealing insight into his long-term mindset, Pimblett has explained that he turned down two UFC contracts before finally signing at age 26. His reasoning was brutally honest: “I knew I wasn’t ready… I was a child fighting men. I know for a fact I would’ve come into the UFC at the time and probably would’ve gotten rag-dolled”. He even took a pay cut to join the promotion, believing the Cage Warriors deal he was offered at the time was financially superior. This patient, strategic approach has defined his career, making his arrival in a championship bout feel like a deliberate destination rather than a sudden accident.
The creation of this interim title opportunity stems from the absence of the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria. With ‘El Matador’ taking a hiatus from competition at the start of 2026, the UFC moved to keep the hyper-competitive lightweight division moving. This set the table for a Paddy Pimblett next fight of historic proportions. The promotion positioned Pimblett, its beloved European star with a perfect promotional record, against Gaethje, a former interim champion and one of the most respected action fighters of the past decade. It’s a classic striker-versus-grappler dynamic on paper, but also a battle between the sport’s established old guard and its vibrant new wave. A win for Pimblett wouldn’t just net him a belt; it would validate his entire career trajectory and silence critics who question his ranking. It would prove that his self-belief and patient planning were justified, transforming him from a popular contender into a bona fide champion and setting up a blockbuster unification bout with Topuria down the line.
Breaking Down the UFC 324 Main Event: Pimblett vs. Gaethje
The Paddy Pimblett next fight against Justin Gaethje is a fascinating stylistic puzzle that has analysts and fans fiercely debating the outcome. On one side stands Gaethje, the 37-year-old former interim champion known as “The Highlight” for his relentlessly violent, fan-friendly style. With a record of 26-5, Gaethje possesses arguably the most crippling leg kicks in MMA and a concussive right hand that has ended the nights of numerous elite fighters. However, his career has been marked by wars, and there are questions about his durability at this stage. As one analyst noted, Gaethje is “a bit less durable” now and represents the “better” fighter in terms of resume, while Pimblett represents “prime” athleticism and momentum. Gaethje himself has framed this as a now-or-never opportunity, admitting this is his last chance to capture UFC gold.
Opposite him is Paddy Pimblett, the 23-3 phenom from Liverpool riding a wave of undeniable momentum. Pimblett’s game has evolved significantly from his early days as a pure grappler. While his jiu-jitsu black belt remains his most dangerous weapon—he has three submission wins in his last six fights—he has learned to use his height and reach on the feet. His striking, though sometimes unorthodox, has become powerful and effective. The key stats reveal a close contest with distinct advantages: Pimblett holds a three-inch reach advantage, while Gaethje lands more significant strikes per minute (6.59 to 5.19). The most glaring discrepancy is on the ground, where Pimblett’s takedown and submission threat far outstrips Gaethje’s historically vulnerable grappling defense. Gaethje is 0-2 via submission at the UFC level, a glaring “Achilles heel” that Pimblett and his team will have pinpointed.
Table: Tale of the Tape – Gaethje vs. Pimblett
| Category | Justin Gaethje | Paddy Pimblett |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 26-5-0 | 23-3-0 |
| Age | 37 | 31 |
| Height | 5’11” | 6’1″ |
| Reach | 70″ | 73″ |
| Significant Strikes/Min | 6.59 | 5.19 |
| Key Strength | Devastating leg kicks, boxing power | Elite submissions, improving striking |
| Path to Victory | Keep fight standing, damage legs, find KO | Close distance, get fight to the mat |
The strategic keys for each man are clear. For Gaethje to win, he must employ disciplined pressure, use lateral movement to avoid Pimblett’s forward bursts, and, most crucially, attack the lead leg to compromise Pimblett’s mobility and takedown ability. He cannot afford to brawl recklessly and play into Pimblett’s hands. As Dustin Poirier, a former Gaethje opponent, analyzed, “Justin has been in those 25-minute fights… I think Paddy’s gonna have a tough time stopping him on the feet and I don’t think Paddy’s gonna be able to get him down”. For Pimblett to win, he must navigate the early low-kick assault, use his own kicks to set up takedowns, and aggressively hunt for submissions the moment the fight hits the canvas. His confidence is sky-high, and he believes in his team’s ability to craft a perfect game plan. “Everyone has a weakness,” Pimblett stated. “It’s just game-planning properly to find it, but me and my team, we always do it”.
Expert Predictions and Fighter Opinions on the Outcome
The combat sports community is deeply divided on the outcome of this Paddy Pimblett next fight, reflecting the compelling nature of the matchup. Betting odds firmly favor the younger, ascending star, listing Pimblett as a -250 favorite (risk $250 to win $100) and Gaethje as a +200 underdog (win $200 on a $100 bet). Many experts are leaning into the narrative of momentum and stylistic advantage. Predictions from betting analysts strongly back Pimblett to finish the fight, with a specific recommendation for “PIMBLETT BY SUBMISSION (+100)” given Gaethje’s historical grappling deficiencies. The overarching sentiment is that if Pimblett can implement his game plan and drag the fight into deep waters, his path to victory is clear.
Fellow fighters, however, have offered a more mixed bag of predictions, often colored by their own experiences and relationships. UFC icon Nate Diaz, never one to follow the popular sentiment, threw his support behind the Liverpudlian. In a characteristically brief comment, Diaz said, “Gaethje and Paddy… Paddy, baby. Let’s go… I think he’s gonna p— him off and be obnoxious in there. I like Paddy, let’s see him do his thing”. This highlights an intangible factor in Pimblett’s arsenal: his ability to get under an opponent’s skin and disrupt their rhythm with his taunting and unshakeable confidence. Conversely, Dustin Poirier, who has shared the Octagon with Gaethje in two brutal wars, sides with his former foe. Poirier cited Gaethje’s experience in five-round title fights and his punishing power as decisive factors. This split underscores the central question of the fight: Can Gaethje’s elite-level experience and proven power overcome the athletic prime and relentless pressure of Pimblett? One analyst captured the dilemma perfectly, stating, “I do not like predicting this fight, because it’s very clearly a case of ‘better’ vs. ‘prime.'” Despite Pimblett’s momentum, this analyst ultimately predicted “Gaethje via decision,” arguing that beating a top fighter like Rafael Fiziev in 2025 remains a better victory than anything on Pimblett’s record.
The High Stakes: What Victory Means for Paddy Pimblett’s Legacy
Winning the interim lightweight title in this Paddy Pimblett next fight would be a monumental achievement, but for ‘The Baddy,’ it’s merely the first step in an audacious plan for legacy. Pimblett has never been shy about his ambitions, and in the lead-up to UFC 324, he outlined a goal that places him among the sport’s absolute greats: becoming a two-division champion. In an interview, he plainly stated, “If you want to be an all-time great, that’s what you need to do… I can’t really do it nowadays without becoming the double champion. I’m here to do that”. His eyes are set on the welterweight division, a climb that would require him to conquer two of the most talent-rich weight classes in the UFC.
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This ambition sets up a potential future super-fight with the current welterweight king, Islam Makhachev, who successfully moved up from lightweight to claim the 170-pound belt. Pimblett, brimming with confidence, believes he has the formula to dethrone the dominant Dagestani. “Everyone has a weakness,” Pimblett remarked. “It’s just game-planning properly to find it, but me and my team, we always do it”. This long-term vision transforms the bout with Gaethje from a standalone title fight into the critical gateway to a legendary run. First, he must unify the lightweight titles by defeating the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria, in what would be a massive champion-versus-champion showdown in Europe. Only then could he set his sights on Makhachev and welterweight glory. It’s a staggering multi-fight plan that begins with a single victory on January 24th. Defeat, however, would not only halt these grand plans but would also provide ample fuel to his detractors who believe he was fast-tracked to a title shot. The pressure is immense, but it’s the kind of pressure Pimblett seems to relish and use as fuel.
How and Where to Watch UFC 324: Broadcast Details and Fight Card
For fans eager to witness this pivotal Paddy Pimblett next fight, UFC 324 marks a historic shift in how North American audiences access UFC content. This event is the first numbered UFC card to be broadcast under the promotion’s new, massive $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount Skydance, ending the long-standing partnership with ESPN. Consequently, in the United States, the entire event will stream on Paramount+ at no additional pay-per-view cost for subscribers, a significant change from the previous model. The new deal has also prompted an earlier start time. The main card will begin at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT, with prelims starting at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, and early prelims kicking off at 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT.
For UK and Irish fans, who will be staying up late to support their star, the broadcast will be available via TNT Sports Box Office, priced at £19.99. The event will be accessible through discovery+, EE TV, Sky, Virgin Media TV, and Amazon Prime Video platforms. Due to the time difference, the main event walkouts are expected to occur around 4:25 AM UK time on Sunday, January 25th. The full fight card is stacked with compelling matchups beyond the main event:
Main Card (Paramount+ / TNT Sports Box Office)
- Interim Lightweight Title Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
- Bantamweight Co-Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
- Heavyweight Bout: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
- Women’s Flyweight Bout: Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas
- Featherweight Bout: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
The event was originally slated to feature a monumental women’s bantamweight title fight between Kayla Harrison and the returning GOAT Amanda Nunes, but that bout was postponed due to a neck injury requiring surgery for Harrison. Still, with a mix of title implications, fan-friendly heavyweights, and the charismatic return of ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley, UFC 324 offers a complete night of high-level mixed martial arts, headlined by a fight that could reshape the future of the lightweight division.
The Business of the Fight: Contracts, Pay, and the New UFC Era
The financial backdrop of this Paddy Pimblett next fight is as intriguing as the sporting contest itself, occurring at the dawn of the UFC’s new commercial era. The landmark deal with Paramount+ has sparked conversation about fighter pay, a perennial topic in the sport. Justin Gaethje, never one to stay quiet, voiced frustration at the pre-fight press conference, claiming he was not seeing the direct financial benefits of the massive new broadcast agreement. “I’m not getting $1 more than I would have if this deal did not happen,” Gaethje stated. He further critiqued the bonus structure, noting, “To have 14 bonuses and not equal up to $1m is not right”. This public airing of grievances adds another layer of narrative to the bout, with Gaethje fighting not just for a title but for what he perceives as fair compensation at the tail end of a legendary career.
On Pimblett’s side, reports indicate he stands to benefit from specific contract clauses. A revealing tidbit from commentator Paul Felder highlighted that fighters typically receive an extra $25,000 for competing in five-round bouts, which applies to all main events and title fights. Furthermore, with both men known for delivering exciting fights, the lucrative $50,000 ‘Performance of the Night’ and ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses are a likely addition to the winner’s purse. For Pimblett, a victory would translate into more than just a belt; it would exponentially increase his marketability and negotiating power for future bouts, especially if he continues on his stated path toward double-champ status. This fight, therefore, represents a critical financial inflection point. A win solidifies Pimblett as a premier pay-per-view (or now, Paramount+) draw capable of headlining major international events, particularly in the UK, setting him up for life-changing earnings in the fights to come. The business stakes are as high as the sporting ones, making the outcome of UFC 324’s main event a pivotal moment for both men’s careers and bank accounts.
Conclusion
The anticipation for Paddy Pimblett next fight has reached a fever pitch, culminating in a high-stakes showdown against Justin Gaethje that has all the ingredients of a classic. This is more than a fight; it’s a crossroads where the relentless pressure and evolving skill set of a new-generation star collide with the seasoned, destructive power of a respected veteran. For Pimblett, it’s the ultimate validation test—a chance to prove that his patient career plan, his unshakable self-belief, and his exciting fighting style can indeed carry him to the pinnacle of the sport. The implications are vast, ranging from a potential unification bout with Ilia Topuria to the dizzying ambition of a future welterweight title chase. For Gaethje, it’s a final opportunity to reclaim gold and cement his legacy as one of the most entertaining fighters ever to compete. On January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the world will watch to see which narrative prevails. One thing is certain: when the cage door closes, the lightweight division will be shaken to its core, and the trajectory of Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett’s career will be forever defined.
FAQ: Your Questions About Paddy Pimblett Next Fight Answered
When is Paddy Pimblett next fight?
Paddy Pimblett next fight is the main event of UFC 324 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He will face Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Who is Paddy Pimblett fighting next?
Paddy Pimblett is fighting Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje next. Gaethje is a former interim UFC lightweight champion and one of the most feared strikers in the history of the division.
What is at stake in Paddy Pimblett next fight?
The fight is for the interim UFC Lightweight Title. The undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria, is currently on hiatus, so the winner of this bout will become the interim champion and is expected to face Topuria in a unification match later in 2026.
How can I watch Paddy Pimblett next fight?
Viewing options depend on your location. In the United States, the entire UFC 324 card streams live on Paramount+ with a subscription, with no separate pay-per-view fee. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the event is available on a pay-per-view basis via TNT Sports Box Office for £19.99 on platforms like Sky, Virgin Media, and discovery+.
What are the predictions for Paddy Pimblett next fight?
Predictions are split, reflecting a compelling matchup. Betting odds favor Pimblett as a significant favorite. Many analysts believe his grappling advantage is the key, predicting a Pimblett victory by submission. However, several veterans and analysts side with Gaethje’s experience and power, seeing an upset potential if he can keep the fight standing and damage Pimblett’s legs.
