The year 2026 opened with a thrilling contest at UFC 324, where Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett clashed for the interim lightweight championship in Las Vegas. After five intense rounds, Gaethje claimed the secondary 155-pound belt, delivering a fight widely praised as one of the best of the year. Both competitors earned acclaim for their relentless effort throughout the bout, which captivated fans and analysts alike.
Josh Barnett Criticizes the Main Event Performance
Following the event, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett expressed strong dissatisfaction with the main event. Taking to social media, Barnett harshly criticized the showdown between Gaethje and Pimblett, calling it
“one of the WORST UFC main events in a while.”
He described the fighters, both known for their finishing abilities, as resembling inexperience rather than elite competitors, lamenting the five-round fight as a “terrible display” that would have been better suited to the preliminary card.
This was a match for the prelims. #UFC324
— Josh Barnett, Former UFC Heavyweight Champion
Reactions to Paddy Pimblett’s Performance and Subsequent Criticism
Paddy Pimblett showed considerable determination throughout his five-round fight against Gaethje, marking his first defeat inside the Octagon. However, his loss triggered sharp responses from several rivals, including Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev, and Ilia Topuria, who joined Arman Tsarukyan in voicing criticisms on social media. Tsarukyan’s comments were particularly cutting, suggesting Pimblett’s opportunities and rapid rise were unearned.
This clown couldn’t beat Gaethje on antibiotics,
— Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender
Tsarukyan further stated,
“That’s what happens when you’re gifted opportunities and pushed up the rankings artificially, a completely undeserved title shot for Paddy. Congratulations to Justin. He showed real heart, and unlike others, he’ll step up and take the fight with me. Respect.”
His remarks, echoed during a backstage interview with Megan Olivi, continued to undermine Pimblett’s standing.
He’s a trash can, Tsarukyan said, adding,
Paddy is not a top fighter. If it was me, or Ilia, Gaethje wouldn’t do that.
— Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender
Mixed Viewpoints Leave UFC 324’s Main Event in Debate
The clash at UFC 324 has sparked divided opinions among fighters and fans regarding the performances delivered by Gaethje and Pimblett. Despite the criticism from figures like Josh Barnett and Arman Tsarukyan, the event marked a significant chapter in the lightweight division’s ongoing saga. Gaethje’s triumph solidifies his place as a warrior within the UFC landscape, while Pimblett’s rise, though challenged, continues to attract attention and rivalry.
As discussions around potential rematches and future matchups unfold, the lightweight division remains one of the most dynamic and contested in the organization, with Justin Gaethje’s UFC war at the center of continuing interest.
