Official Judges Scorecards | UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett

January 30, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett – A Thorough Guide too teh Interim Lightweight Title Clash

The world of mixed martial arts is set to ignite on Saturday, January 24th, as the UFC descends upon the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 324. Headlined by a captivating interim lightweight championship bout between the ever-dangerous Justin Gaethje and the rising star paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, this event promises a night of thrilling action. The co-main event further elevates the card,featuring a compelling bantamweight showdown between former champion Sean O’Malley and the formidable Song Yadong. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UFC 324, detailing the main storylines, fight breakdowns, how to watch, and what to expect from this highly anticipated event.

The Main Event: Gaethje vs.Pimblett – A Clash of Styles and Personalities

The collision between justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) and Paddy Pimblett (20-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) is more than just a fight for the interim lightweight title; it’s a stylistic clash and a battle between two of the most charismatic personalities in the UFC. The stakes are high, as the winner is expected to face islam Makhachev, the current UFC Lightweight champion, in a unification bout.

Gaethje, a veteran known for his relentless pressure, devastating leg kicks, and iron chin, is a perennial threat in the lightweight division. His fights are rarely dull, often ending in breathtaking knockouts. He’s coming off a hard-fought decision loss to Makhachev in October 2023, a fight were he showcased his toughness and resilience despite being the clear underdog. Gaethje’s experience and proven ability to withstand punishment make him a formidable opponent for anyone. https://www.ufc.com/athletes/justin-gaethje

Pimblett, conversely, represents a new generation of UFC fighters. The Liverpudlian has quickly become a fan favorite with his exciting fighting style, coupled with his engaging personality and social media presence. He’s known for his slick grappling, submission skills, and improving striking. However, Pimblett has faced scrutiny for his weight management issues, missing weight in a previous bout, and his recent performance against Tony ferguson, where he secured a decision win but appeared less dominant than in previous fights. https://www.ufc.com/athletes/paddy-pimblett

Key to victory: For Gaethje, the path to victory lies in utilizing his signature leg kicks to slow down pimblett’s movement and disrupt his rhythm. He’ll also need to pressure Pimblett,forcing him to engage in striking exchanges where Gaethje’s power can be decisive. Pimblett needs to employ his grappling skills, attempting takedowns and submissions to exploit any potential weaknesses in Gaethje’s defense.He must also avoid prolonged striking exchanges,as Gaethje is arguably one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.

Co-Main Event: O’Malley vs. Yadong – Bantamweight Brilliance

The co-main event promises a technical and exciting battle between Sean O’Malley (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and Song yadong (20-6-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC). O’Malley, the current UFC Bantamweight Champion, is known for his unorthodox striking, exceptional timing, and vibrant personality. He captured the title in August 2023 with a stunning knockout victory over Aljamain Sterling. https://www.ufc.com/athletes/sean-omalley

Song Yadong is a rising contender in the bantamweight division, possessing a well-rounded skillset with powerful striking and solid grappling. He’s coming off a unanimous decision victory over Cody Garbrandt, further solidifying his position as a top contender. Yadong’s relentless pressure and diverse attack make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. https://www.ufc.com/athletes/song-yadong

Key to Victory: O’Malley will need to utilize his footwork and striking precision to keep Yadong at bay and land his signature counter punches. He must avoid getting drawn into a brawl, where yadong’s power could be a significant threat. Yadong needs to close the distance, pressure O’Malley, and look for opportunities to land powerful combinations. He’ll also need to be wary of O’Malley’s counter striking and avoid getting caught with a clean shot.

How to watch UFC 324

UFC 324 will be broadcast live on Paramount+ for the main card, starting at