At UFC 324, many expected Paddy Pimblett to rely on his grappling skills, but the fight mostly unfolded standing up, where Justin Gaethje clearly held the advantage. Gaethje believes this was part of a strategic plan that prevented Pimblett from executing effective takedown attempts during their bout.
As the interim lightweight champion, Gaethje feels he controlled the fight by constantly pressuring Pimblett, limiting his opportunities to shoot for takedowns. This was evident during the recent Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Challenge, when UFC veteran Demetrious Johnson expressed surprise at Pimblett’s minimal use of grappling in the title fight. Gaethje responded sharply to explain why the takedowns never came.
“He couldn’t. How do you shoot when you are going like this all the time? So, I’m just consistently moving forward. So, where is he going to shoot?”
?Justin Gaethje, UFC Interim Lightweight Champion
Johnson suggested that Pimblett might have benefited from leg kicks to stop Gaethje’s forward momentum. Gaethje admitted he had to endure some leg kicks but quickly adapted and pushed through them.
“Yeah, he was kicking me, though, but he kicked like a b***h. So I walked through that. Once I figured out that I could walk through it, then it was money… I was pushing back the whole time.”
?Justin Gaethje, UFC Interim Lightweight Champion
Looking ahead, Gaethje is positioned to challenge Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title. With Topuria reportedly resolving personal matters regarding his ex-wife and preparing for a return to MMA, Gaethje’s next big fight could take place soon.
How Justin Gaethje Plans to Shape His 2026 Fight Schedule
Following his unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, Gaethje holds the interim lightweight championship and has ambitious goals for the rest of 2026. In an interview during the Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Challenge with reporter Helen Yee, Gaethje laid out his ideal path moving forward.
“I hope I fight in June [at UFC White House] and get a win vs. Ilia [Topuria] and we’ll see from there… I’m always trying to knock everybody out, but I will fight my best and the hardest.”
?Justin Gaethje, UFC Interim Lightweight Champion
At 37 years old, Gaethje remains determined to prove himself as a top contender and unify the lightweight division. His plans suggest a busy calendar focused on high-stakes matchups that could define his legacy in the sport.
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