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Justin Gaethje has become a UFC champion for the second time. The fighter who possesses extensive experience won the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 after defeating Paddy Pimblett in a five-round contest which the organization declared an instant classic. The victory establishes a significant unification battle against Islam Makhachev who possesses the undisputed championship yet fans concentrated on the aggressive combat and the one moment which they thought determined the fight result.
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The match demonstrated different fighting styles which fighters used to confront one another. Gaethje who people call ‘The Highlight’ because of his knockout victories fought according to his usual combat method which combined boxing strength with aggressive combat. The Scouser who possessed natural charm demonstrated remarkable fighting skills by enduring powerful punches which would have defeated any other fighter. The match ended with Gaethje winning through unanimous decision after both fighters exchanged knockdowns throughout their combat. The official announcement established a new interim king but the narrative quickly split.
The second round contained a key moment which most viewers considered vital whereas others found enjoyment in the entire match. Gaethje landed a clear eye poke which the referee had not issued punishment for, so he could attack a weakened Pimblett with ground-and-pound techniques. The victory faced problems because of the illegal move. One user pointedly called it the ‘Ultimate Eye Poke Championships,’ adding, ‘It’s actually funny that UFC still can’t address that issue.’ Another commenter listed multiple infractions: ‘2 eye pokes, one he was gushing blood afterwards, and a huge knee to the nuts that was ignored. Well done.’ The discussion about whether the match had been valid became the most important issue.
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 even though they fought through a controversial bout. One observer noted, ‘You know what. I entered the match under the belief that Justin would expose Paddy. I was wrong tho, even tho he lost I think Paddy proved a lot.’ The same idea appeared in another person’s answer who said, ‘I’m just kinda impressed Paddy didn’t get knocked out… he’ll learn and be better from this for sure.’ Pimblett proved his status as a top fighter when he endured Gaethje’s strongest punches and finished the match.
Fans showed strong support for Gaethje’s performance throughout the match. One fan said, ‘Justin Gaethje is a literal Violence Entrepreneur,’ which perfectly described his unpredictable fighting style. Another person said, ‘What a brutal war! Gaethje is unstoppable.’ The victory marks a remarkable career resurgence for Gaethje, who once held the interim belt in 2020 before losing twice in title fights. At 35 years old he has fought his way to the top of the highly competitive 155-pound weight class.
The fight’s rewatchability serves as its major contribution to its legacy. ‘The highlight delivered and then some,’ a user remarked, acknowledging the non-stop action that defined the 25-minute contest. The fight became an instant classic with Gaethje winning gold and the Scouser sustaining his eternal chin power. The fight showed all the elements of a classic MMA battle which MMA fans will remember for years.
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The upcoming steps present a clear pathway. Justin Gaethje possesses the interim title which makes him the next opponent who will challenge Islam Makhachev for his undisputed championship. The upcoming match will showcase Gaethje’s knockout power against Makhachev’s grappling expertise. The loss for Paddy Pimblett prevents him from winning yet he still maintains his position. He displayed championship-level characteristics which will support him during his rehabilitation. UFC 324’s main event delivered everything promised: chaos, controversy, and a clear new chapter in the lightweight title picture. The road to unification begins now.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
