Justin Gaethje claimed the UFC interim lightweight title for the second time with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett in the main event of UFC 324. The win elevated Gaethje to the #1 ranking in the lightweight division, positioning him as the next challenger for undisputed titleholder Ilia Topuria whenever 'El Matador' returns to competition this year. Gaethje's dominant performance solidified his status as the clear number-one contender in a division full of fighters pursuing the championship. The interim belt victory marks a significant step forward in Gaethje's quest for another title opportunity after his previous interim championship reign.
Reports indicate that Justin Gaethje has claimed the UFC interim lightweight championship for the second time in his career, defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 324 on April 12. The result, which has not been officially confirmed, would place Gaethje in line to face undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria upon the Georgian-Spaniard's return to competition.
Gaethje, 37, carries a reported record of 28-5 and is listed as the current interim champion at lightweight. The Arizona native stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and trains out of Genesis Training Center. Among the most prolific strikers in the division, he lands 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that rank among the best in the lightweight class.
Pimblett, known as "The Baddy," entered the contest ranked sixth at lightweight with a 23-4 record. The 31-year-old Liverpudlian is five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach and represents Next Generation MMA Liverpool. He averages 5.49 significant strikes per minute and has shown submission ability, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes throughout his career.
Standing across from Gaethje on an unbeaten run at 17-1, undisputed champion Topuria ranks first pound-for-pound and sits at number two in the division per these reports. The 29-year-old Spaniard, training out of Climent Club, is five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and posts 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside sharp striking at 4.81 significant strikes landed per minute.
Why it matters
- A second interim title reign would formally install Gaethje as the mandatory challenger for Topuria's undisputed belt
- Topuria's return timeline is unconfirmed, leaving the division's near-term schedule unsettled
- The reported outcome drops Pimblett from sixth in the rankings and potentially alters several lightweight title-contention pathways
