The Paramount+ Era of the UFC kicked off with one hell of a “Highlight.”
Justin Gaethje lived as much as his nickname Saturday night and defied expectations, exhibiting that the previous guard at light-weight nonetheless has some combat left in it with a Fight of the Year-caliber victory at UFC 324 over closely hyped, sizable betting favourite Paddy Pimblett to turn out to be interim champion of the division for the second time.
The 37-year-old, who first claimed that crown in 2020 however didn’t recognize it the way in which he does this time, went again to buzzsaw mode after adopting in recent times a extra calculated method to violence. He pressured Paddy all through the early rounds and battered “The Baddy” badly within the fourth en path to scorecards of 48-47, 49-46, 49-46. A Fight of the Night bonus — doubled to $100,000 this yr after nicely over a decade of stagnation — additionally slips into his account for his troubles, giving him 15 post-fight bonuses in 15 UFC bouts to tie the all-time mark.
Perhaps much more helpful to Gaethje: Returning to interim champ standing strains up the Arizonan for a unification matchup towards Ilia Topuria — even perhaps on the hotly anticipated White House occasion halfway by means of this yr that’s a bucket record merchandise for Saturday’s big winner.
“The White House is in June. I represent this country,” Gaethje instructed reporters hours after the combat. “… There’s no way they’re keeping me off that card.”
Topuria vs. Gaethje is precisely the combat the UFC ought to wish to headline its capital combat card. The worldwide star and unbeaten two-division champion towards the flag-waving, beloved American scrapper. Oh, and each males can crack as few can in fight sports activities. It sells itself — and maybe loads of Paramount+ subscriptions as nicely.
The new streaming house already was rewarded for its pursuit of the fight sports activities large. Violence virtuoso Gaethje’s bludgeoning of Pimblett in Las Vegas was must-see TV. While the Scouser discovered a house for loads of his personal offense, he bore the brunt of the proof of the combat on his personal face. A leaky nostril streaked blood for the second half of the 25 minutes of motion. An obvious fracture of the left orbital seemingly was addressed at an area hospital, the place was despatched afterward in response to UFC CEO Dana White. (I do know what these appear to be all too nicely, having damaged each of mine earlier than.)
As for Gaethje?
“Apparently, he’s 100 percent,” White assured of the interim champ’s well being in his post-fight remarks, blessed information for Gaethje (27-5, 21 finishes) and anybody else who desires him to compete on the White House as staunchly as he does.
It’s Topuria’s availability that throws a monkeywrench into the combination.
Justin Gaethje punches Paddy Pimblett throughout his win of their light-weight interim championship bout at UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena on Jan. 24, 2026, in Las Vegas Zuffa LLC
The Georgian-Spaniard laid declare to the vacant light-weight crown in June with a thunderous KO of Charles Oliveira, leaping proper to the highest of a second weight class after giving up the championship at featherweight — citing a weight reduce too problematic to undertake once more.
But if the UFC had hoped to make Topuria part of this Paramount+ debut, familial discord scuttled these plans. Thus, the interim title was created and put up for grabs lower than seven months after Topuria’s coronation.
Topuria just lately put forth a extra optimistic timeline for his return than he’s beforehand volunteered. A social media reply indicated a return to the octagon between April and June towards “the winner between Paddy and Justin.” If President Donald Trump is to be believed, the occasion is meant to go off on his birthday: June 14.
Ilia Topuria grew to become the UFC light-weight champion final yr however was not obtainable to compete this month. Zuffa LLC
White supplied no readability on which fights can be booked for the spectacle on the South Lawn, noting solely that he and UFC brass would start that course of Monday.
As a lot of a star as Pimblett (23-4, 17 finishes) is, a win by the Brit nearly would have taken the light-weight title off the desk for Washington altogether. The Scouser, whereas talking with The Post on Monday, had expressed zero curiosity in competing on the White House, not owing to indisputable fact that he’s English however due to what’s anticipated to be a limited-capacity crowd that might make packing in his pals, household and supporters a tall job.
A bullet was dodged in that respect, so Topuria vs. Gaethje may be very a lot in play to commemorate this nation’s 250th anniversary in precisely the way in which the UFC absolutely desires.
Forget Conor McGregor’s attainable return after 5 years away. Move on from Jon Jones altering White’s thoughts and getting again in motion. Embrace the best attainable headliner.
“There’s no doubt it’ll be one of the best fights they could put on,” Gaethje mentioned.
UFC White House: Topuria vs. Gaethje. Get your popcorn prepared.
