The first main event of 2026 brings high stakes right out of the gate, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett square off for the interim UFC lightweight title. With the 155-pound division already packed with elite talent, Saturday’s fight has the potential to shake it up and make a great intro for the remaining part of the season.

Both of these guys are interesting in their own way, and the fans love them. Both have style, swag, and know how to bring fun, which is why it’s the headline of UFC 324.

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Gaethje VS Pimblett Preview

For Gaethje, this bout represents another chance to chase UFC gold. A former interim champion and two-time undisputed title challenger, the 37-year-old is clearly focused on making one final push at the top. Ever since coming into the organization, he’s been making noise with highlight-reel knockouts and incredible action.

Coming off a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev, Gaethje remains one of the top contenders for the lightweight belt. He did lose to Max Holloway by a spectacular KO before that, yet Gaethje’s whole career has been like that. He was always battling the best of the best, and that’s why he has both big wins and losses.

So far, the Highlight, as the fans call him, has 26 wins and 5 losses, and 20 of his triumphs have come via KO. Let’s just remember the way he dismantled Tony Ferguson or Donald Cerrone. No need to say that Gaethje’s main virtue are iron fists, and this guy probably has the hardest punch in the division.

Standing across the Octagon is Pimblett, whose seven-fight UFC win streak has silenced plenty of doubters. The Liverpool native punched his ticket to this opportunity with a third-round stoppage of Michael Chandler, once again showing that his rise through the division is no accident.

We personally had serious doubts about Paddy, but beating Bobby Green, Tony Ferguson, Jared Gordo, and others has to mean something, even if most of his recent triumphs came over guys who are way past their peak. And are more or less gatekeepers.

Paddy is versatile and knows how to both hit and wrestle. He is no stranger to manipulating the rivals’ minds, but in this case, he’ll have a decent rival on that field. After 26 matches in his career, Pimblett has 23 wins and three defeats, with 10 triumphs coming via submission, 7 by a knockout and 6 via decision.

Gaethje VS Pimblett Predictions

With champion Ilia Topuria sidelined, the winner on Saturday puts himself in a prime position for a massive undisputed title fight later this year. Right now, we believe Gaethje is closer to a win here than the Brit.

Why?

Well, first of all, Paddy never fought a hard-hitter like Justin in his career. More or less, all of his previous rivals were relying upon some sort of wrestling and weren’t as explosive on their feet as Gaethje. The second reason for this pick is Gaethje’s experience, which doesn’t always bring a huge edge, but here it will. He’s fought Khabib, Poirier, Holloway, Fiziev, Oliveira and many other legends.

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