Paddy Pimblett is set to go to war against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt at UFC 324 in the event’s headliner. Ahead of the highly anticipated bout, Pimblett revealed his game plan for Gaethje, and it’s not what many fans would have expected.
Many fans and pundits believe that Pimblett would utilise his ground game prowess and attempt to keep the fight on the ground. However, the Brit is planning a completely different fight plan.
Paddy Pimblett Details a Surprise Approach Against Justin Gaethje
Ahead of the title fight, Paddy Pimblett was interviewed by Sky Sports, where he detailed his game plan. He asserted that fans don’t believe him when he says he would strike with Gaethje, but he plans to prove them wrong and keep the fight standing, highlighting the difference between his striking and the American’s.
“People are laughing at me when I say I’m gonna stand with him, but I am. People think I’m just gonna shoot in the first ten seconds, I’m not,” Pimbeltt said. “I’m gonna stand with him, and I’m gonna put it on him. He’s more of a boxer with leg kicks, and I’m an MMA striker. I don’t just do boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo, or karate. I’m an MMA cycle, and you just see that when I fight him.”
Paddy Pimblett says he’s gonna stand with Justin Gaethje and have a war 👀🔥
“People are laughing at me when I say I’m gonna stand with him, but I am. People think I’m just gonna shoot in the first ten seconds, I’m not.
I’m gonna stand with him, and I’m gonna put it on him.… pic.twitter.com/gC4WYn5n24
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 18, 2025
Fans expected the same in his bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in the co-main event. However, Pimblett proved them wrong and engaged in striking against the explosive Chandler. He brought a mixed, yet striking, ground game that worked really well, and he secured a third-round victory via TKO.
“The Baddy” is currently undefeated in the UFC, with a record of 7-0 in the UFC and 23-3 in his MMA career. It remains to be seen what he brings to the table against Gaethje.
The winner of UFC 324’s main event will face Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title. Topuria has been out of action since winning the belt at UFC 317, where he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round. “El Matador” is currently going through a divorce and facing personal difficulties, and is expected to return later in 2026.
Justin Gaethje Shares His Mindset Ahead of Paddy Pimblett Showdown at UFC 324
Justin Gaethje was on an extended hiatus following his brutal last-second BMF title knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. He made his comeback at UFC 313 against Rafael Fiziev in their rematch from UFC 286. In the back-and-forth match, the former interim champion won via unanimous decision.
Now he will face Paddy Pimblett for the Interim lightweight belt. Ahead of the fight, he shared his plans on his YouTube channel. He emphasised that he plans to bring the perfect version of himself and knock out Pimblett to earn an undisputed title shot at White House card.
”I’m planning on fighting perfect and when I fight perfect, I think you have to get lucky to beat me,” Gaethje said on YouTube. “But the challenge is still ahead. I have to be perfect that night to knock Paddy out and earn my title shot on the White House card. That’s the plan. I think if I can do that, that’s the best way that I can ever imagine finishing off my career.”
Gaethje expressed that he wants to end his career at the White House card, which will take place in June. It will be the first time the UFC has hosted an event at the White House, making it a historic occasion. Many fighters are already pitching themselves to be on the card.
Between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, it will remain to be seen who captures the interim title at UFC 324 and earns a title shot against Topuria.
