Is Paddy Pimblett Really That Good? (UFC 324 Main Event Preview)

UFC 324 in Las Vegas is just around the corner, on January 24, and the two main events are shaping up as two of the most hyped fights in years. In the main event popular but polarizing Brit Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is up against last-shot veteran Justin Gaethje for an interim lightweight belt. Meanwhile in the co-main the new golden girl Kayla Harrison is fighting a returning all-time legend in Amanda Nunes. This event has fight fans are as excited as gamblers before a massive jackpot US mega lotto draw – but will it deliver? 

Well Pimblett vs Gaethje is a hyped fight for a reason. Both fighters are explosive inside the octagon and outspoken outside of it. Pimblett is on the rise while Gaethje is one the tail end of his career, but is the more experienced elite contender and has proven knockout power like no-one Pimblett has faced before. This is reflected in the variety of betting odds, which tend towards Pimblett as a close favorite but with a lot of variation between sportsbooks.

Who is Paddy “The Baddy” and Why is he Popular

Pimblett has become one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC of recent years. His proudly British scouse accent, straight forward trash talking and variation of memable hair styles have propelled him to attention. But it has been his fighting skills that have taken him up the lightweight rankings ladder, with a series of seven straight wins since joining the UFC in 2021.

This potent combination of charisma, regional quirks and his unique but effective fighting style has gained him millions of fans, and hate watchers, on social media.

Despite his winning record, many (including other fighters) have had doubts that he is worthy of a title shot at this stage in his career. A dominant TKO win over top 10 ranked Michael Chandler in 2025 quietened some of the critics – but not all. And many of them were dissapointed when Ilia Topuria vacated the lightweight belt before he could fight Pimblett.

Meanwhile Gaethje has been responsible for some of the UFCS’s most memorable fights and knockouts in his long career, and is looking to get back the belt he last held in 2018. Making this matchup a very hyped one that could either vindicate or silence much of the hype around Pimblett.

Pimblett’s Strengths and Weaknesses

“The Baddy” is a strong and accomplished grappler, as well as a decent striker, with an unorthodox style. This is demonstrated in his 23 – 3 record with 10 submission victories and 7 by knockout.

He has improved a lot since joining the UFC, proving he has the ability to learn and hit a higher ceiling. For example, many criticized his high chin in his first UFC fights where he got wobbled on a couple of occasions.

But despite the bravado – famously repeating “scousers don’t get knocked out” several times – it was clear in his recent victory over Chandler that keeping his guard up and chin tucked while on the feet was something he had been working on.

On the sceptics side, many point to Pimblett’s recent matchups as reason to doubt he’s ready for a top-tier fighter like Gaethje. Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, his highest ranked opponents in the UFC so far, were older than him and both were arguably past their peak and coming off a streak of losses.

His unorthodox style also divides opinion. While unpredictable and exciting, especially in the lower levels of the fight game, a truly top-tier competitor will be able to counter some of the idiosyncrasies in Pimblett’s game. Or so the theory goes.

And it’s not just random keyboard warriors either. Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria have both been vocal about their disdain for Pimblett’s rise to the top. The former claimed he should have been next in line for a title shot. Meanwhile double champion Topuria and Pimblett have had a widely publicized back and forth and many expected this would be the matchup for 2026 – before family issues forced Topuria to vacate the title for the foreseeable.

Will He Overcome a Strong Gaethje, and What’s Next?

UFC 324 is a crossroads moment for both Pimblett and Gaethje. At 37, a loss could be the last swing of Gaetjhe’s career – while a loss would be Paddy’s biggest stumbling block since joining the UFC five years ago, and would put his many critics into a frenzy.

Stylistically the matchup is also interesting. Paddy’s submission skills are undeniable but Gaethje’s takedown defences and wrestling are also top tier. Although Pimblett dominated Chandler over three rounds, he did get wrestled around a fair amount in the first – and Gaethje is a better and stronger wrestler than Chandler.

On the feet, Gaethje should also have the advantage through his proven one shot power. However with Pimblett’s unorthodox style and explosive opening energy – anything can happen on the night. For either contender, Ilia Topuria should be next in the cards in order to solidify the belt out of interim status. Although when that might happen, if it all, is anyone’s guess. Other candidates to take the victor on for the title include Charles Oliveira or Tsarukyan.