Justin Gaethje seems to be getting ready an sudden shift in method for his Octagon look. After light-weight champion Ilia Topuria introduced a hiatus from competitors, the promotions moved shortly, reserving an interim title combat between “The Spotlight” and Paddy Pimblett as the primary occasion of UFC 324 in January 2026.
Gaethje is in place to grow to be the UFC’s first two-time interim champion and arrange a future title unification bout with Topuria. However earlier than that may occur, he’ll must navigate Pimblett’s wrestling-heavy method in what many view as a matchup outlined by contrasting talent units.
Though “The Spotlight” is an achieved NCAA Division I wrestler, his MMA profession has largely showcased his putting, together with his grappling not often making an look contained in the Octagon. Even so, Gaethje says he’s absolutely ready to deal with something “The Baddy” brings on January 24.
Justin Gaethje Teases Shock Submission Upset At UFC 324
Throughout a latest interview with Submission Radio, Justin Gaethje mentioned his upcoming title combat in opposition to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. The previous interim light-weight champion stated he’s prepared to have interaction on the bottom when obligatory, mentioning that he has already confronted a number of the UFC’s most elite grapplers, equivalent to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
“Individuals keep in mind the largest fights that I’ve had in opposition to probably the most elite grapplers, you already know, I’ve had points,” Gaethje stated. “However the way in which that Charles Oliveira obtained me to the bottom was by rocking me and sitting me down with a punch. Khabib was only a complete different conundrum.”
“The Spotlight” added that after his loss to Oliveira, he put vital effort into refining his grappling expertise, even hinting that there’s a slim however actual likelihood he is likely to be the one to submit Pimblett within the UFC.
In the end, he’s a very good grappler, however for the reason that Charles Oliveira combat, I’ve actually, actually skilled a number of jiu-jitsu, a number of grappling, and I’ve really been having fun with it much more than I ever have. So I’m not trying to grapple, however I’ve no problem with the grappling division, and my skill to maintain individuals from taking me down is second to none. So he’s going to need to compromise me together with his punches and kicks and knees, after which if that occurs, then he’ll have a greater likelihood. That is such a loopy sport, you simply by no means know. Perhaps I’ll sub him. That’s obtained to be million-to-one odds, although.”
Justin Gaethje was final seen in motion at UFC 313 this previous March, the place he earned a unanimous resolution win over Rafael Fiziev of their rematch. The 37-year-old Arizona native has gone 4–3 in his final seven fights and holds an total UFC document of 9–5.
