Justin Gaethje laid out his ambitious plans if he captures the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324. Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett in the main event, which could be his final shot at undisputed UFC gold.
‘The Highlight,’ a former BMF champion, fought for the undisputed lightweight title twice before. He fell short on both attempts, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, respectively. Now, his path to securing a third title shot goes through Pimblett, who has climbed the lightweight rankings.
Gaethje said his plans to remain active if he wins the interim lightweight title. He aims to unify the titles and secure his first undisputed UFC championship. From there, Gaethje hopes to avenge his knockout loss in a rematch with BMF champion Max Holloway.
“Once I get this belt, I’m not going to stop. I’m going to beat Paddy, I’m going to beat Ilia [Topuria],” Gaethje told Paramount UFC Crew‘s Jon Anik. “And then I gotta get Max [Holloway] back.”
Gaethje’s interest in matchups with Topuria and Holloway suggests he still has something to prove before retirement. A win over Pimblett sets up a title unification bout with Topuria. And, a victory there could pave the way for a rematch with Holloway, with significant stakes for both fighters.
Justin Gaethje Weighs In on Being Listed as Underdog at UFC 324
Justin Gaethje also shared his thoughts on the current betting odds for his interim lightweight title clash with Paddy Pimblett. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Gaethje enters as a +186 underdog, while Pimblett is a -245 favorite.
Despite the odds, Gaethje expressed confidence. ‘The Highlight’ said being an underdog doesn’t bother him, noting he has proven oddsmakers wrong before.
“I love that I’m an underdog, I think I’m 8-2 or 8-3 as an underdog in the UFC,” Gaethje told Paramount UFC Crew. “I fought the top-5 in the world every year, consistently, and I’m still here. If I wasn’t as good as I am then I wouldn’t be here. And I still am here because I am one of the best in the world.”
He emphasized that he plans to leverage his octagon experience.
“Pimblett, this guy’s got a ton of momentum, a ton of confidence. Those are two variables that are tough to beat,” Gaethje said. “I’m going to have to really steal that momentum early and at the highest level, it’s who makes mistakes first and I’m going to need to teach him that.”
Gaethje Excited About Playing Spoiler Role Again
Gaethje also expressed excitement about possibly playing the spoiler once more. A victory over Pimblett would derail ‘The Baddy’s long awaited bout with Ilia Topuria.
This would not be the first time Gaethje has played spoiler. In 2020, he defeated Tony Ferguson in an interim lightweight title fight to secure a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov. That victory derailed a Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson clash that fans wanted to see for years.
“Paddy wants to fight Ilia. Ilia wants to fight Paddy. That’s what they want but I’m here to [expletive] it up again,” Gaethje said during his interview with Paramount UFC Crew.
Justin Gaethje Reveals Bold Plans if He Wins Interim UFC Lightweight Title