UFC 324: The Unstoppable Force vs. The Rising Hype – Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

The Octagon is preparing for a collision that defines the very essence of “violence vs. charisma.” At UFC 324, the “Highlight” Justin Gaethje returns to face the meteoric rise of “The Baddy” Paddy Pimblett. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a high-stakes crossroads where a legendary gatekeeper of chaos meets a prospect looking to solidify his status as a true elite.

UFC 324: Chaos vs. Hype — Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

The Octagon is sets to ignite as the UFC prepares for a massive collision at UFC 324. In what can only be described as a “High-Stakes Violence” matchup, the former BMF champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje returns to action against the meteoric rising star from Liverpool, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.

This isn’t just a fight; it’s a crossroads moment for the Lightweight division. Will Gaethje’s veteran grit and devastating power extinguish the Liverpudlian flame, or will Paddy prove he belongs among the elite 155-pounders?

Event Information: UFC 324

• Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

• Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City (Rumored)

• Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

• Time: Main Card starts at 10:00 PM ET

• Broadcast: * USA: ESPN+ PPV

  • Canada: Rogers Sportsnet / UFC Fight Pass

  • Global: UFC Fight Pass / BT Sport (UK)

UFC 324: Full Fight Card (Expected)

Matchup Weight Class Status
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett Lightweight Main Event
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev Featherweight Co-Main Event
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Jack Della Maddalena Welterweight Main Card
Bo Nickal vs. Anthony Hernandez Middleweight Main Card
Muhammad Mokaev vs. Brandon Moreno Flyweight Main Card

The Profile of Violence: Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje

Justin Gaethje is a name synonymous with adrenaline. Starting his career as an All-American wrestler, Gaethje transitioned into MMA only to become the most dangerous striker in the Lightweight division. His journey is marked by legendary wars against Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Tony Ferguson.

• Recent Form: Gaethje is coming off a heartbreaking last-second KO loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, but before that, he looked better than ever with a head-kick knockout of Poirier and a masterclass against Rafael Fiziev.

• Strengths: * Leg Kicks: Gaethje possesses arguably the most destructive low kicks in MMA history.

  • Takedown Defense: His wrestling background makes it nearly impossible to keep him on the ground.

  • Power: He has “one-punch” knockout power in both hands.

• Weaknesses: * Damage Absorption: Gaethje has been in many “fights of the year,” and the cumulative damage might be catching up to his chin.

  • Submission Defense: While hard to take down, he has shown vulnerability when elite grapplers manage to take his back.

The Scouser’s Ascent: Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett is the biggest star to come out of the UK since Conor McGregor. From his humble beginnings in Cage Warriors, Paddy brought a massive following to the UFC. Critics initially called him “all hype,” but his recent dominant victory over King Green proved that he belongs in the top 15.

• Recent Form: Paddy is on a massive win streak, most recently finishing King Green via triangle choke in the first round. His confidence is at an all-time high.

• Strengths:

  • BJJ Excellence: Paddy is a wizard on the ground. If the fight hits the canvas, he is a submission specialist.

  • Durability: He has shown a “zombie-like” chin, walking through heavy shots to land his own.

  • Mental Warfare: His ability to get under an opponent’s skin is a tactical advantage.

• Weaknesses:

  • Striking Defense: Paddy often fights with his chin up in the air, a dangerous habit against a sniper like Gaethje.

  • Experience Gap: He has never faced the level of power and pressure that a former BMF champion brings.

Technical Analysis: Tactical Clash of Styles

This fight is a classic “Striker vs. Grappler” matchup with a twist. Gaethje will want to keep this standing and chop down Paddy’s lead leg to negate his movement. For Paddy, the path to victory is clear: chaos.

Pimblett needs to initiate a scramble or a clinch. If he can force Gaethje against the cage and transition to the back, his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu could end the night early. However, Gaethje’s 75% takedown defense is a massive wall to climb. If Paddy fails to get the takedown, he will be forced to trade strikes with a man who eats “heavyweights” for breakfast.

The Prediction: Who Blinks First?

For the hardcore fans, this fight is a test of reality. Paddy Pimblett is talented, but Justin Gaethje is a different breed of human.

Prediction: Paddy will likely start aggressive, trying to find a submission early. However, Gaethje’s experience and superior striking defense will prevail. Expect Gaethje to land a devastating leg kick in the second round that compromises Paddy’s mobility, followed by a trademark right hook.

Winner: Justin Gaethje via TKO (Round 2).