Justin Gaethje has revealed his assertive strategy should he win the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, where he is set to face Paddy Pimblett in the main event. This bout may represent Gaethje’s last opportunity to capture undisputed UFC gold before he considers his future.
Known as ‘The Highlight’ and a former BMF champion, Gaethje has previously challenged twice for the undisputed lightweight championship. He was unsuccessful in his attempts against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. To earn a third title shot, Gaethje must first overcome Pimblett, who has been steadily rising through the lightweight division.
Gaethje plans to stay highly active if he secures the interim title, focusing on unifying the belts to become the undisputed champion. Following that, he hopes to settle the score with BMF champion Max Holloway in a rematch after suffering a knockout loss to him.
Once I get this belt, I’m not going to stop. I’m going to beat Paddy, I’m going to beat Ilia [Topuria],
Gaethje told Paramount UFC Crew‘s Jon Anik.
And then I gotta get Max [Holloway] back.
This focus on Topuria and Holloway highlights Gaethje’s desire to prove himself further before considering retirement. A victory over Pimblett would likely lead to a title unification battle with Ilia Topuria. Success there could set the stage for the high-stakes rematch with Holloway.
Gaethje Discusses Being the Underdog Ahead of UFC 324
Justin Gaethje commented on the betting odds favoring Paddy Pimblett in their upcoming fight. FanDuel Sportsbook lists Gaethje as a +186 underdog, while Pimblett, the favorite, sits at -245.
Despite these odds, Gaethje remains confident and unbothered by his underdog status, citing his history of overcoming such predictions.
I love that I’m an underdog, I think I’m 8-2 or 8-3 as an underdog in the UFC,
Gaethje said in an interview with the Paramount UFC Crew.
I fought the top-5 in the world every year, consistently, and I’m still here. If I wasn’t as good as I am then I wouldn’t be here. And I still am here because I am one of the best in the world.
He highlighted the challenge posed by Pimblett’s momentum and confidence but emphasized his experience as a critical factor in the fight.
Pimblett, this guy’s got a ton of momentum, a ton of confidence. Those are two variables that are tough to beat,
Gaethje said.
I’m going to have to really steal that momentum early and at the highest level, it’s who makes mistakes first and I’m going to need to teach him that.
Gaethje Looks Forward to Playing Spoiler Role Once More
Gaethje expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of disrupting Pimblett’s plans once again by winning this fight, which would prevent Pimblett from facing Ilia Topuria as anticipated.
This would not be Gaethje’s first time acting as a spoiler in the lightweight division. In 2020, he defeated Tony Ferguson in an interim lightweight title matchup, thereby interrupting a highly anticipated fight between Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Paddy wants to fight Ilia. Ilia wants to fight Paddy. That’s what they want but I’m here to [expletive] it up again,
Gaethje declared during his conversation with Paramount UFC Crew.
The Stakes and What’s Next for Gaethje
A successful run at UFC 324 would place Justin Gaethje in a commanding position to unify the lightweight titles and reassert himself as a top contender in the division. His ambition to challenge Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway afterward underlines a restless pursuit of legacy and redemption. The upcoming bout will crucially impact Gaethje’s trajectory in the UFC, potentially shaping the lightweight division’s landscape for years to come.
