Get ready for a fight that could shake the UFC world! Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 is more than just a title bout—it’s a battle of generations, styles, and legacies. On Saturday in Las Vegas, Pimblett, the 31-year-old rising star from Liverpool, aims to etch his name in history by becoming the city’s first-ever UFC champion and only the fourth Briton to claim an interim or undisputed title. But standing in his way is Justin Gaethje, a 37-year-old lightweight powerhouse, former interim champion, and a dominant force in the division for nearly a decade. Can Pimblett’s momentum carry him to victory, or will Gaethje’s experience and grit derail his dreams?
This fight has the MMA community buzzing, and BBC Sport tapped into the minds of some of the biggest names in the sport for their predictions. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many are backing Pimblett, others believe Gaethje’s underdog status is being severely underestimated. Let’s dive into what the experts are saying.
Rose Namajunas, UFC flyweight and two-time strawweight champion, takes a neutral stance: ‘Whether they win, lose, or draw, I hope they’re happy with their performance and stay safe. It’s a 50/50 fight.’ Her balanced perspective highlights the unpredictability of this matchup.
Ilia Topuria, UFC lightweight champion, boldly declares: ‘Pimblett’s going to win, easy. Gaethje doesn’t know how to grapple, and Paddy knows that. Have you ever seen Gaethje submit someone? If you can submit someone, you’d do it.’* This statement sparks debate—is Gaethje’s grappling really his Achilles’ heel, or is Topuria overlooking his striking prowess?
Sean O’Malley, former UFC bantamweight champion, leans toward Pimblett: ‘I feel like it’s Paddy’s time. He’s manifested this moment. It’s going to be a banger of a fight, but I think it’s crazy Gaethje is a 3-1 underdog. It’s closer than that.’* O’Malley’s insight raises a question: Is the betting line truly reflective of the fight’s dynamics, or is there more to Gaethje’s chances than meets the eye?
Arnold Allen, UFC featherweight, echoes the sentiment: ‘Paddy’s locked in. The stars have aligned for him. He’s going to bring another belt back to the UK.’* Similarly, Luke Riley predicts a Pimblett victory via ground and pound or knockout in rounds three or four.
Modestas Bukauskas, UFC light-heavyweight, sees this as Pimblett’s moment: ‘Paddy’s young, hungry, and confident. He’s leveled up every fight, and I expect him to get the job done.’* His analysis underscores Pimblett’s growth, but is youth and hunger enough to overcome Gaethje’s battle-tested experience?
Alexander Volkanovski, UFC featherweight champion, trusts Pimblett’s game plan: ‘He’s shown he can stick to a strategy, and he’ll need that against Gaethje. I’m going with Paddy.’* Meanwhile, Waldo Cortes-Acosta remains neutral: ‘I like both fighters. It’ll be a good fight.’*
Michael Bisping, the first British UFC champion, offers a technical breakdown: ‘Gaethje leaves openings for underhooks or foot sweeps. Paddy’s creative—I see him winning by submission and becoming interim champion.’* But is Bisping’s prediction overlooking Gaethje’s ability to adapt under pressure?
As the predictions pour in, one thing is clear: this fight is a toss-up. Will Pimblett’s ambition and skill set prevail, or will Gaethje’s experience and resilience prove too much to handle? Tune in from 03:00 GMT on Sunday, 25 January, on the BBC Sport website and app to find out. And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the MMA world underestimating Gaethje, or is Pimblett’s rise truly unstoppable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
