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Justin Gaethje has turn into a UFC champion for the second time. The fighter who possesses in depth expertise received the interim light-weight championship at UFC 324 after defeating Paddy Pimblett in a five-round contest which the group declared an prompt traditional. The victory establishes a major unification battle in opposition to Islam Makhachev who possesses the undisputed championship but followers targeting the aggressive fight and the one second which they thought decided the struggle consequence.
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The match demonstrated totally different combating kinds which fighters used to confront each other. Gaethje who individuals name ‘The Spotlight’ due to his knockout victories fought in line with his common fight methodology which mixed boxing energy with aggressive fight. The Scouser who possessed pure appeal demonstrated exceptional combating abilities by enduring highly effective punches which might have defeated every other fighter. The match ended with Gaethje successful via unanimous choice after each fighters exchanged knockdowns all through their fight. The official announcement established a brand new interim king however the narrative shortly break up.
The second spherical contained a key second which most viewers thought-about important whereas others discovered enjoyment in your complete match. Gaethje landed a transparent eye poke which the referee had not issued punishment for, so he might assault a weakened Pimblett with ground-and-pound strategies. The victory confronted issues due to the unlawful transfer. One consumer pointedly known as it the ‘Final Eye Poke Championships,’ including, ‘It’s truly humorous that UFC nonetheless can’t tackle that challenge.’ One other commenter listed a number of infractions: ‘2 eye pokes, one he was gushing blood afterwards, and an enormous knee to the nuts that was ignored. Effectively executed.’ The dialogue about whether or not the match had been legitimate grew to become crucial challenge.
JUSTIN GAETHJE DEFEATS PADDY PIMBLETT TO BECOME THE NEW UFC INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION 🔥
AN INSTANT CLASSIC 👏 #UFC324 pic.twitter.com/IBmM4pcpUA
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 25, 2026
The fighters created respect between them regardless that they fought via a controversial bout. One observer famous, ‘You understand what. I entered the match underneath the idea that Justin would expose Paddy. I used to be flawed tho, even tho he misplaced I believe Paddy proved loads.’ The identical thought appeared in one other individual’s reply who stated, ‘I’m simply kinda impressed Paddy didn’t get knocked out… he’ll study and be higher from this for positive.’ Pimblett proved his standing as a high fighter when he endured Gaethje’s strongest punches and completed the match.
Followers confirmed robust help for Gaethje’s efficiency all through the match. One fan stated, ‘Justin Gaethje is a literal Violence Entrepreneur,’ which completely described his unpredictable combating type. One other individual stated, ‘What a brutal struggle! Gaethje is unstoppable.’ The victory marks a exceptional profession resurgence for Gaethje, who as soon as held the interim belt in 2020 earlier than shedding twice in title fights. At 35 years previous he has fought his solution to the highest of the extremely aggressive 155-pound weight class.
The struggle’s rewatchability serves as its main contribution to its legacy. ‘The spotlight delivered after which some,’ a consumer remarked, acknowledging the continuous motion that outlined the 25-minute contest. The struggle grew to become an prompt traditional with Gaethje successful gold and the Scouser sustaining his everlasting chin energy. The struggle confirmed all the weather of a traditional MMA battle which MMA followers will bear in mind for years.
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The upcoming steps current a transparent pathway. Justin Gaethje possesses the interim title which makes him the subsequent opponent who will problem Islam Makhachev for his undisputed championship. The upcoming match will showcase Gaethje’s knockout energy in opposition to Makhachev’s grappling experience. The loss for Paddy Pimblett prevents him from successful but he nonetheless maintains his place. He displayed championship-level traits which is able to help him throughout his rehabilitation. UFC 324’s essential occasion delivered all the pieces promised: chaos, controversy, and a transparent new chapter within the light-weight title image. The street to unification begins now.
