Pimblett vs Gaethje: Result, Score & Fight Stats 

Pimblett vs Gaethje took place at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision after five rounds, with judges scoring the fight 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. Gaethje won the interim UFC lightweight title in the process.

Key Takeaways

• Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324.
• The official scorecards were 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 for Gaethje.
• Gaethje scored two knockdowns and landed three of three takedowns.
• Pimblett landed more significant strikes, but Gaethje produced the fight’s two knockdowns and controlled important exchanges.
• Both fighters moved on successfully in 2026, with Gaethje later becoming undisputed lightweight champion and Pimblett returning with a first-round submission win.

Pimblett vs Gaethje: What Happened?

Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje was the main event of UFC 324 and one of the most anticipated lightweight fights of early 2026.

The matchup featured two very different but highly recognizable UFC styles. Pimblett entered the fight as an unbeaten UFC lightweight with a reputation for submissions, pressure and unpredictable attacks. Gaethje brought years of championship-level experience, powerful striking and one of the most aggressive leg-kicking games in MMA.

The fight went the full five rounds. When the final bell rang, all three judges awarded the contest to Gaethje. The official scores were 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46.

The victory gave Gaethje the interim UFC lightweight championship.

UFC 324 Fight Details

Date, Location and Weight Class

Pimblett vs Gaethje took place on January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It was scheduled as a five-round interim lightweight title fight. At the official weigh-ins, Gaethje came in at 155 pounds while Pimblett weighed 154 pounds.

Detail	Information
Event	UFC 324
Date	January 24, 2026
Location	T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Weight class	Lightweight
Fight type	Interim title fight
Winner	Justin Gaethje
Method	Unanimous decision
Time	5 rounds
Scorecards	48-47, 49-46, 49-46

Official Result

Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision.

The UFC’s official results confirm that Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title after five rounds.

Gaethje vs Pimblett Scorecards

The judges saw the fight clearly enough to award Gaethje the victory, although one scorecard was considerably closer than the other two.

The official scorecards were:

• Judge 1: 48-47 Gaethje
• Judge 2: 49-46 Gaethje
• Judge 3: 49-46 Gaethje

The scoring also shows why the fight should not simply be described as a one-sided contest. Pimblett had strong moments and landed a significant number of strikes, but Gaethje’s knockdowns and control in important portions of the fight helped shape the judges’ decision.

Fight Statistics

The UFC statistics provide an interesting picture of the matchup.

Gaethje landed 144 of 254 significant strikes, while Pimblett landed 156 of 311. Pimblett therefore connected with more significant strikes overall, but Gaethje scored two knockdowns and completed three of three takedown attempts. Pimblett went 0-for-5 on his takedown attempts.

Statistic	Justin Gaethje	Paddy Pimblett
Significant strikes	144/254	156/311
Total strikes	200/313	170/326
Takedowns	3/3	0/5
Knockdowns	2	0
Control time	5:55	0:48
Submission attempts	0	0

These numbers help explain the unusual statistical profile of the fight: Pimblett landed more significant strikes, but Gaethje was more effective in several high-impact areas.

Striking and Knockdowns

Gaethje’s biggest moments came from his power striking.

He scored knockdowns in both the first and second rounds. ESPN reported that Gaethje repeatedly found success when pushing Pimblett toward the fence, including a right uppercut that produced the first knockdown and another right hand that dropped him in Round 2.

Pimblett, however, showed considerable durability. He continued fighting after the knockdowns and remained dangerous with punches, knees and kicks.

Takedowns and Control

Grappling was another important part of the contest.

Pimblett is well known for his submission game, but Gaethje prevented him from turning the fight into an extended ground battle. Official statistics credit Gaethje with three successful takedowns and almost six minutes of control time. Pimblett failed to complete any of his five recorded takedown attempts.

That was significant because getting the fight to the mat could have given Pimblett more opportunities to use his submission skills.

How the Fight Unfolded

Round 1

Pimblett started aggressively and landed clean significant strikes, but Gaethje’s pressure quickly became a major factor.

Gaethje found success near the fence and eventually dropped Pimblett. The British fighter recovered and continued attacking rather than backing away from the exchange.

The opening round established the central theme of the fight: Pimblett could land combinations, but Gaethje’s heavier shots could change the momentum instantly.

Round 2

Gaethje continued pressing forward and again found a knockdown.

Pimblett absorbed substantial punishment but continued to answer with offense. By the end of the second round, Gaethje had established himself as the more dangerous power striker while Pimblett remained active and willing to trade.

Rounds 3–5

Pimblett continued to have successful moments as the fight progressed. His volume and body attacks helped keep Gaethje occupied, and he remained competitive despite the earlier knockdowns.

Gaethje’s experience became increasingly important. He mixed his striking with clinch work and takedowns while continuing to defend Pimblett’s attempts to change the fight’s direction.

In the fifth round, Pimblett attempted a takedown, but Gaethje defended it and finished strongly. ESPN reported that Gaethje outlanded Pimblett 219-177 in total strikes according to UFC Stats.

After 25 minutes, the judges unanimously awarded Gaethje the victory.

What Happened to Pimblett After the Fight?

The loss to Gaethje was the first defeat of Pimblett’s UFC career, but it did not end his rise in the lightweight division.

Pimblett returned at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, against Benoît Saint Denis. He bounced back with a spectacular first-round submission, finishing Saint Denis with a D’Arce choke at 52 seconds.

The UFC’s current athlete profile lists Pimblett at 24-4-0 overall and ranks him No. 5 in the lightweight division.

That result means the Gaethje fight remains the only loss on Pimblett’s UFC record.

What Happened to Gaethje After the Fight?

Gaethje’s victory over Pimblett was followed by an even bigger opportunity.

After winning the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324, he faced then-champion Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.

Gaethje won that fight by fourth-round TKO via corner stoppage and became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

The result changed the context of his earlier win over Pimblett. What began as an interim-title victory became part of Gaethje’s run toward the undisputed championship.

Will Pimblett vs Gaethje Happen Again?

A rematch is a natural topic because both fighters remain prominent names in the lightweight division. However, a rematch should not be treated as an officially scheduled fight unless the UFC announces one.

As of the latest UFC information, Pimblett has returned to competition and won his next fight, while Gaethje has moved on to become undisputed lightweight champion.

A future rematch would therefore depend on the UFC’s matchmaking plans, championship picture and each fighter’s upcoming schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Pimblett vs Gaethje?

Justin Gaethje won. He defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in the UFC 324 main event on January 24, 2026. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46 for Gaethje.

What was the score of Gaethje vs Pimblett?

The official scorecards were 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46, all in favor of Justin Gaethje. The fight lasted all five rounds.

Was Pimblett vs Gaethje a title fight?

Yes. It was an interim UFC lightweight championship fight at UFC 324. Gaethje won the interim belt by unanimous decision.

How many times did Gaethje knock Pimblett down?

Gaethje officially scored two knockdowns during the fight. Pimblett was able to recover and continue until the final bell.

Did Pimblett win a fight after Gaethje?

Yes. Pimblett returned at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, and submitted Benoît Saint Denis with a D’Arce choke at 52 seconds of the first round.

What happened to Gaethje after beating Pimblett?

Gaethje went on to fight Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. He stopped Topuria in the fourth round and became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

Conclusion:

Overall, Pimblett vs Gaethje was a five-round UFC 324 title fight that ended with Justin Gaethje winning by unanimous decision.

The statistics show a competitive striking battle, but Gaethje’s two knockdowns, successful takedowns and control helped him secure the judges’ decision.

Pimblett subsequently rebounded with a first-round submission win, while Gaethje went on to claim the undisputed lightweight championship.