Gaethje crowned interim champion after thrilling UFC 324 main event
Ultimate Fighting Championship delivered a memorable night of mixed martial arts as Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title with a hard-fought victory over Paddy Pimblett in the main event of UFC 324.
The blockbuster event took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where thousands of fans witnessed an intense five-round showdown between two of the division’s most exciting fighters.
Main event: Gaethje proves experience counts
Gaethje showcased his trademark pressure and devastating striking to defeat Pimblett via unanimous decision, securing the interim belt after a bruising contest. From the opening round, Gaethje pushed the pace, landing powerful leg kicks and combinations that kept Pimblett on the defensive.
Pimblett had moments of success, particularly with his grappling exchanges, but Gaethje’s composure and power proved decisive across the championship rounds. The judges ultimately scored the fight 48–47, 49–46, and 49–46 in favor of the American, handing him another major achievement in his decorated career.
The victory places Gaethje firmly in line for a future unification bout with the undisputed lightweight champion later in the year.
O’Malley returns to form in co-main event
Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley also enjoyed a successful night as he defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision in the co-main event.
O’Malley relied on his slick striking and movement throughout the three-round contest, outlanding Song and controlling the pace to earn a convincing win. The result places “Sugar” back in the conversation for a title opportunity in the bantamweight division.
Heavyweight fireworks and flyweight upset
Elsewhere on the main card, rising heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta delivered a statement performance by stopping veteran knockout artist Derrick Lewis with a second-round TKO.
In the women’s flyweight division, Brazil’s Natalia Silva produced an impressive display to defeat former champion Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision, a result that could propel Silva into title contention.
Meanwhile, Jean Silva earned a disciplined decision victory over Arnold Allen in a competitive featherweight clash.
UFC 324 main card results
Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett – Unanimous Decision (Interim Lightweight Title)
Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong – Unanimous Decision
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Derrick Lewis – TKO (Round 2)
Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas – Unanimous Decision
Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen – Unanimous Decision
What’s next?
With the interim lightweight title now around his waist, Gaethje’s focus will shift toward a potential unification bout later this year. For Pimblett, the defeat represents a setback but not the end of his rise, as the popular contender remains one of the UFC’s biggest personalities.
After an evening filled with drama, knockouts, and elite-level competition, UFC 324 once again showed why the promotion continues to dominate the global MMA landscape.