Justin Gaethje earned the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, claiming the promotion's interim belt for the second time in his career. Gaethje now sits at the #1 ranking in the lightweight division and is next in line to challenge undisputed titleholder Ilia Topuria whenever the champion returns to competition in 2026. This victory positions Gaethje as the clear contender for a unification bout. The win bumped Arman Tsarukyan down to #2 in the rankings.
Reports indicate Justin Gaethje has claimed the interim lightweight title for the second time in his UFC career, defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324. According to the report, Gaethje now holds the number one ranking in the division and stands as the mandatory challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria whenever the Spaniard makes his return to competition in 2026. The story has not been officially confirmed.
Gaethje, known as "The Highlight," carries a 28-5 record and fights out of Genesis Training Center. The 37-year-old American stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and has built his reputation as one of the most relentless strikers in the sport, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Pimblett, the 31-year-old Liverpudlian fighting out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, entered the contest at number six in the lightweight rankings with a 23-4 record. "The Baddy" brings his own offensive output to the cage, averaging 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, and has shown a submission threat with 1.2 attempts per 15 minutes.
Topuria, the undisputed lightweight champion, sits at 17-1 and holds the number one pound-for-pound ranking. The 29-year-old Spaniard trains out of Climent Club and averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute alongside a well-rounded 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. A unification bout between Topuria and Gaethje would be the clear next step if this report is confirmed.
Why it matters
- Gaethje becomes the number one contender and sits directly in line for a title unification fight
- Arman Tsarukyan drops to number two in the rankings as a result of this outcome
- The matchup pits a high-volume striker against a well-rounded champion with elite pound-for-pound status
