Former BMF champion Justin Gaethje returned to action for the first time since defeating Rafael Fiziev in March 2025. He was looking to prove he still has what it takes to compete at a high level as he begins the wind-down of his storied career.
Standing across the Octagon from him was Paddy Pimblett, who’s been dubbed the UFC’s next big star. He was riding an undefeated UFC career and hoped for a win over Gaethje to earn him a shot at the title next.
But it was Gaethje’s night tonight and he earned a massive win over Pimblett taking him into deep waters over the course of five incredibly hard fought rounds.
Here’s what UFC fighters and MMA media thought of the fight as it was happening.
Some athletes made their picks known early on.
Let’s go justin 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) January 25, 2026
That’s a hard walk out to follow. #UFC324
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 25, 2026
10-9 Gaethje. Justin is about to shock the world #UFC324 🏆
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 25, 2026
Pimblett was in trouble in the first round and nearly lost it all, but was able to recover from the onslaught.
Gaethje is absolutely sending it with these strikes #UFC324
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) January 25, 2026
Justin coming in wild
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 25, 2026
Paddy is keeping his chin extremely high in the air! #UFC324
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 25, 2026
An eyepoke from Gaethje stalled the action in the first round, but Pimblett resisted a long recovery, and they went right back into round one.
In round two, Gaethje dominated again and the two exchanged huge moments, though Gaethje seemed to be getting the better of the flurries. But Pimblett wouldn’t give up.
Paddy is tough!!
— LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) January 25, 2026
Paddy not used to these dog fights Justin lives in these
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 25, 2026
JUSTIN GAETHJE NEARLY FINISHED PADDY PIMBLETT AGAIN 🤯#UFC324
— Verdict (@VerdictMMA) January 25, 2026
In the third round, Pimblett was badly compromised from multiple eye pokes and constant pressure from Gaethje. With a minute remaining, Pimblett started picking up speed and backing up Gaethje, but landed a low blow in the process.
29-28 Gaethje. Paddy has effectively worked his way back into this fight #UFC324
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 25, 2026
Maybe this sorcerer really can’t be knocked out
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 25, 2026
They both survived to enter a fourth round, unbelievably.
Topuria must be smiling right now.
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 25, 2026
Paddy is about to lose like 5 yeas of service life After this war
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) January 25, 2026
And they went into the fifth and final round. It’s a miracle either of them were still standing.
Just a good ole fashion brawl!! @ufc
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) January 25, 2026
Paddy is so damn tough 😳
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) January 25, 2026
Definitely fun to watch #UFC324
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) January 25, 2026
Justin Gaethje is personification of violence
One of a kind
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) January 25, 2026
Even though Pimblett lost the fight, he earned the respect of all who were watching.
I don’t remember to see someone so durable like Paddy 👍
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) January 25, 2026
If you didn’t respect paddy before, you have to now #UFC324
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) January 25, 2026
Paddy is a warrior!!!
— Renato Moicano (@moicanoufc) January 25, 2026
Very impressive resilience from paddy. This is the same damage Gaethje put on Tony.
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 25, 2026
Massive respect to Pimblett win or lose
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 25, 2026
What a fight. Wow#UFC324
— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) January 25, 2026
Here goes the 100K FOTN bonus.
Paddy and Justin Gaethje deserve it!!!
#UFC324— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) January 25, 2026
With the win, Gaethje earns the interim title and will fight Ilia Topuria when he returns to action. This is the second time Gaethje has held the interim title.
The UFC travels to Australia next for UFC 325, headlined by a featherweight title fight.
