The first UFC event of 2026, UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, is upon us after a six week void. The fight card is headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between former interim champion Justin Gaethje and No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett.
It’s a matchup that pits a new generation up and coming lightweight against a proven veteran in the division. It’s a clash between a knockout artist and a well-rounded but not completely proven betting favorite.
Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes the bout could be a coin toss, but ultimately made a prediction.
“I think this is Paddy’s biggest challenge yet. Perfect opponent, perfect fight for them, you know, old dog, new dog,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “This could be a roll of the dice.”
Adesanya’s advice to Gaethje was simple. “Be you,” he said, “Be Gaethje. Just be Gaethje. Be you. Do you. You know who you are, so don’t let them tell you who you are. Show them who you are.”
“Gaethje has to also be careful because Paddy hits hard. But Gaethje can eat them. Look, there’s a reason Paddy is the favorite in this fight,” Adesanya continued.
“The Last Stylebender” went with Pimblett to emerge with the interim lightweight belt at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.
“I’m going to go with Paddy Pimblett by decision,” said Adesanya before switching his mode of victory prediction. “I think submission.”
