UFC 324’s interim light-weight title combat between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett has already set social media buzzing, and Conor McGregor has now stepped into the dialog. Shortly after the matchup was introduced because the January headliner for the promotion’s first Paramount+ occasion, the previous two-division champion jumped on X with a short three-word message that followers rapidly tied to the brand new main event, including much more intrigue to an already polarizing reserving.
Conor McGregor Picks: Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje
Conor McGregor has thrown public help behind Paddy Pimblett after the Liverpool light-weight was booked to face Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC light-weight title at UFC 324 on 24 January in Las Vegas. Shortly after the bout was confirmed, McGregor posted a 3‑phrase message on X aimed toward Pimblett: “Come on Paddy!” and tagged the brand new broadcaster Paramount+.
UFC 324
McGregor’s post went out in the hours following UFC CEO Dana White’s Thanksgiving Day announcement that Gaethje vs Pimblett would headline UFC 324, the promotion’s first numbered occasion underneath its new media rights take care of Paramount. The straightforward message was rapidly picked up, reposted and quoted by followers and media accounts, including one other speaking level to an already debated matchup.
UFC 324 will take place at T‑Mobile Arena and serves as the launch event for a seven‑year, 7.7‑billion‑dollar agreement that moves all UFC numbered cards and Fight Nights in the United States to Paramount+, with no additional pay‑per‑view surcharge for subscribers. The card is being built as a statement show, with Kayla Harrison defending her women’s bantamweight title against returning Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes in the co‑main event. Different notable bouts embrace a bantamweight conflict between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong and a heavyweight assembly between Derrick Lewis and Waldo Cortes‑Acosta.
The interim belt at light-weight exists as a result of undisputed champion Ilia Topuria has introduced a break from competitors. Topuria, who received the title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in July, posted on X that he wouldn’t combat within the first quarter of 2026 whereas coping with a tough private scenario and specializing in his youngsters, including that he didn’t need to stall the division. In response, the UFC selected to introduce an interim title and matched No. 4‑ranked Gaethje with No. 5‑ranked Pimblett, with the winner anticipated to face Topuria later in 2026.
Pimblett enters UFC 324 on a nine‑fight winning run, including a 7‑0 start in the UFC and a recent third‑round stoppage of Michael Chandler at UFC 314, which earned him one other efficiency bonus. The previous Cage Warriors champion holds a 23‑3 skilled report and has turn into one of many promotion’s most marketable names. Gaethje, 26‑5, is a former interim light-weight champion and ex‑BMF titleholder who most just lately beat Rafael Fiziev in a “Battle of the Night time” resolution at UFC 313.
The reserving has sparked pushback from elements of the light-weight area. Arman Tsarukyan, coming off a dominant win over Dan Hooker in Doha, was extensively mentioned as the subsequent in line and has questioned Pimblett’s résumé, arguing that the Englishman lacks wins over high‑tier contenders. After the interim title combat was introduced with out him, Tsarukyan posted that “nothing adjustments” and promised to “take what belongs to us” in time. Pimblett answered with a jab on X, “You want apples? @ArmanUFC” with apple and laughing emojis, a reference to Good Will Searching and a transparent nod that he believes he has secured the chance Tsarukyan wished.
Conor McGregor’s message lands towards that backdrop and follows earlier feedback linking him to Pimblett. Forward of UFC 314, McGregor had publicly proven curiosity in Pimblett vs Chandler, prompting Pimblett to say he would “welcome” a future combat with the Irish star and calling it the place “the cash is.” McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg towards Dustin Poirier in 2021 and later withdrew from a deliberate bout with Chandler on account of a toe harm, however his social media exercise nonetheless shapes narratives across the division.
For now, UFC 324 sets the stage: Gaethje brings years of high‑level experience, Pimblett brings momentum and drawing power, and the interim belt offers a direct path to Topuria when the champion returns. McGregor’s three words do not change the matchmaking, yet they add another layer of intrigue to Pimblett’s biggest night so far and keep McGregor’s name close to the title picture without a fight booked.
