Justin Gaethje seems to be making ready an surprising shift in strategy for his Octagon look. After light-weight champion Ilia Topuria introduced a hiatus from competitors, the promotions moved rapidly, booking an interim title fight between “The Spotlight” and Paddy Pimblett as the primary occasion of UFC 324 in January 2026.
Gaethje is in place to develop into 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 have to navigate Pimblett’s wrestling-heavy strategy in what many view as a matchup outlined by contrasting talent units.
Though “The Spotlight” is an accomplished NCAA Division I wrestler, his MMA profession has largely showcased his putting, together with his grappling hardly ever 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 current interview with Submission Radio, Justin Gaethje mentioned his upcoming title struggle in opposition to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. The previous interim light-weight champion stated he’s prepared to interact on the bottom when essential, stating that he has already confronted a number of the UFC’s most elite grapplers, akin to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
“Individuals keep in mind the most important fights that I’ve had in opposition to essentially the most elite grapplers, you understand, I’ve had points,” Gaethje stated. “However the best way that Charles Oliveira received 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 probability he may 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 struggle, I’ve actually, actually skilled quite a lot of jiu-jitsu, quite a lot of grappling, and I’ve truly been having fun with it much more than I ever have. So I’m not trying to grapple, however I’ve no subject with the grappling division, and my potential to maintain folks 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 probability. That is such a loopy recreation, you simply by no means know. Perhaps I’ll sub him. That’s received 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 determination 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 file of 9–5.
