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Tag: Paddy Pimblett

  • The Number Paddy Pimblett Is Sitting At Seven Weeks Before His UFC 329 Fight Is Turning Heads Again

    The Number Paddy Pimblett Is Sitting At Seven Weeks Before His UFC 329 Fight Is Turning Heads Again

    Paddy Pimblett revealed he is sitting at 191 pounds seven weeks out from his UFC 329 fight against Benoit Saint Denis, meaning he is preparing for a 35-pound cut to make the 156-pound non-title lightweight limit.

    Pimblett shared the number on his vlog ahead of the July 11 card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    “It’s nice obviously having an opponent, date set, everything’s ready to go when we’re fighting, know how long I’ve got. It’s all about making weight and being ready for the fight.”

    Despite regularly ballooning between fights, Pimblett has never missed weight in eight UFC appearances. He came in under championship weight at 154 pounds for his interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, a fight he lost by unanimous decision to break his undefeated UFC record.

  • UFC 329: Full Fight Card, Date, Time And Everything To Know About Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2

    UFC 329 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of the year, headlined by a long-awaited rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

    More than a decade after their first meeting, the two former champions will collide again, this time in a welterweight main event during International Fight Week.

    UFC 329: Date, Venue, And Start Time In The U.S.

    UFC 329 takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    The event will be broadcast on Paramount+, with the early prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the prelims at 7 p.m. ET. The main card is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

    McGregor vs. Holloway 2 Headlines a Stacked Card

    The UFC 329 main event sees Conor McGregor return after a long layoff to face Max Holloway. Their first meeting took place on August 17, 2013, when “The Notorious” secured a unanimous decision win early in his UFC run.

    The co-main event features Paddy Pimblett taking on Benoit Saint Denis in a crucial lightweight clash. Elsewhere on the card, Robert Whittaker makes his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov. The event also features the highly anticipated UFC debut of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, who faces Elisha Ellison in a heavyweight bout.

    UFC 329 Main Card

    • Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway (Welterweight)
    • Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
    • Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista (Bantamweight)
    • Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanaugh (Flyweight)
    • Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison (Heavyweight)

    UFC 329 Preliminary Card

    • Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov (Light Heavyweight)
    • Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka III (Featherweight)
    • Damian Pinas vs. Cesar Almeida (Middleweight)
    • Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight)

    UFC 329 Early Prelims

    • Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong (Women’s Flyweight)
    • Ode Osbourne vs. Cody Durden (Flyweight)
    • Ryan Gandra vs. Zach Reese (Middleweight)
  • Paddy Pimblett Refuses Future New Jersey Fights Because of One Reason

    Paddy Pimblett Refuses Future New Jersey Fights Because of One Reason

    Paddy Pimblett watched UFC 328 from home and came away with one firm conclusion about where he will not be competing: New Jersey.

    Pimblett noticed during the Jim Miller and Jared Gordon bout that UFC 328 was being contested under older MMA rules, specifically the New Jersey State Athletic Commission’s regulations, which ban 12-6 elbows and consider a fighter grounded with just one hand on the canvas.

    His reaction was immediate.

    “Has he just said, ‘Old rules in play?’ No 12-6 elbows? Wow! That’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t fight there. And if you put your finger on the mat, you basically can’t kick them.”

    Pimblett has been one of the more vocal advocates for the 12-6 elbow since it became legal under the updated unified rules in November 2024, incorporating the strike into his game. The New Jersey commission’s refusal to adopt the new ruleset has been a point of contention among fighters and analysts for some time.

    Pimblett has not competed since his unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje in the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 in January. He is expected to return at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week, where a fight against Benoit Saint-Denis is reportedly signed, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

  • WATCH: UFC Star Paddy Pimblett Leaves British TikToker Gassed And Throwing Up After Sparring

    WATCH: UFC Star Paddy Pimblett Leaves British TikToker Gassed And Throwing Up After Sparring

    Paddy Pimblett recently gave a popular TikTok creator a harsh lesson inside the gym during a friendly sparring session.

    British influencer Dean Alex, who built a following online through bizarre fan-requested challenges and his viral catchphrase “do you not know who I am, kid?”, recently teamed up with Pimblett for a sparring session at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool.

    The collaboration came together after one of Alex’s followers challenged him to fight the UFC star.

    At the start of the session, Pimblett appeared to take it easy on the influencer. The former interim UFC lightweight title challenger was noticeably holding back early on and even allowed Alex to land a few shots during the exchange.

    During the spar, Pimblett eventually connected with a spinning elbow before following up with several additional strikes that visibly overwhelmed the TikToker.

    Moments later, Alex was seen running off the mat before eventually throwing up from exhaustion and the punishment he absorbed.

    The 31-year-old Liverpool native last competed at UFC 324 in January, where he challenged Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Pimblett ultimately dropped a unanimous decision, bringing his UFC record to 7-1.

    Before the setback against Gaethje, “The Baddy” had built serious momentum in the lightweight division with victories over names such as Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, and King Green.

    Pimblett is now scheduled to return at UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week, where he’ll face Benoit Saint Denis at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

  • Paddy Pimblett Comes Clean on UFC 324 Loss: ‘A Little Bit of My Ego Got in the Way’

    Paddy Pimblett Comes Clean on UFC 324 Loss: ‘A Little Bit of My Ego Got in the Way’

    Paddy Pimblett has admitted that his ego cost him in his interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, acknowledging that a desire to prove something led him away from the game plan that gave him his best chance of winning.

    Pimblett was dropped twice and lost a unanimous decision in what was his first defeat inside the UFC, and he has now reflected openly on what went wrong during his loss to the man who would go on to challenge Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title at UFC White House.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pimblett was candid about the mental error that shaped the fight’s outcome.

    “To be honest, with the last fight, I think a little bit of my ego got in the way. I wanted to knock him out. I wanted to strike with him and show everyone I could strike. I wanted a war. When you’re trying to take him down in the fifth round after he bludgeoned you at the end of the second, it’s quite hard. Back to fight IQ, back to the game plan, and not just swinging recklessly.”

    Pimblett is currently in camp preparing for his next fight. He offered a hint about his likely opponent by appearing in a beret while holding a baguette, widely interpreted as a nod toward Benoit Saint-Denis, the French contender who has been linked to him for UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.

  • UFC Releases Paddy Pimblett’s Teammate and Bantamweight Veteran

    UFC Releases Paddy Pimblett’s Teammate and Bantamweight Veteran

    Two fighters have departed the UFC roster, with Paddy Pimblett’s teammate Shem Rock and longtime bantamweight Pedro Munhoz both leaving the promotion under different circumstances.

    Rock’s exit comes as little surprise following a turbulent run that began with a debut loss to Nurullo Aliev last November and was compounded by a post-fight altercation at UFC London, where he clashed with Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady at the weigh-ins before going on to lose their bout.

    The combination of consecutive losses and the London controversy effectively sealed his fate, and the UFC’s roster tracker has since confirmed he is no longer signed to the promotion.

    Munhoz’s departure is an entirely different story. The Brazilian veteran debuted in the UFC in 2014 and went on to make 22 appearances in the bantamweight division, building one of the more decorated careers at 135 pounds.

    He headlined a Fight Night card against Frankie Edgar in 2020 and earned seven post-fight bonuses throughout his tenure, a total that reflects how consistently he delivered exciting performances across more than a decade at the highest level of the sport. He holds the second-most bouts in the history of the UFC’s bantamweight division.

    Munhoz requested his own release earlier this month after three consecutive losses, choosing to pursue other options following his lengthy run with the promotion. He is 39 years old.

  • Ilia Topuria Declares Paddy Pimblett Fight ‘Basically Impossible’ After UFC 324 Loss

    Ilia Topuria Declares Paddy Pimblett Fight ‘Basically Impossible’ After UFC 324 Loss

    Ilia Topuria has delivered a withering assessment of Paddy Pimblett following the Liverpudlian’s loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, and he believes their long-running feud will never result in an actual fight.

    Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Topuria held nothing back when the subject of Pimblett came up, going beyond the usual competitive trash talk to question whether Pimblett has the fundamental skills to ever compete at the level required to reach him.

    “I was a little surprised of how bad Paddy really is,” Topuria said. “I was expecting him to win, be honest. I was expecting him to take Justin down, to, I don’t know, do a different fight. Like to really fight. But what he did inside the Octagon in that fight, it surprised me a little bit. He really proved that he’s a little sausage.”

    When Helwani asked how Pimblett might rebound from the defeat, Topuria dismissed the premise entirely. “Rebound from what? From a loss? Of course, but how he’s going to gain the skills, the technique in the sport? Like, that’s basically impossible. He needs to die and be born again. Now he’s too far from the top fighters in the division. We don’t see Paddy in the horizon. We don’t see him anymore. Bye, Paddy. I didn’t even have to go inside the Octagon to beat him. So that feels even a little bit better, to be honest.”

    Topuria is preparing for his next appearance in the main event of the UFC White House event on June 14, where he will unify the lightweight division against Gaethje. A victory over Pimblett would have set up one of MMA’s most anticipated rivalries at the top of the division, but Topuria’s comments suggest he believes that ship has now sailed.

  • Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 329 Opponent May Have Just Outed Himself

    Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 329 Opponent May Have Just Outed Himself

    Paddy Pimblett may have had his UFC 329 opponent revealed for him, and the hint came in the form of a menu.

    Pimblett recently confirmed he has a fight booked for UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas but has not named his opponent. Benoit Saint-Denis has now appeared to answer that question himself through a cryptic AI-generated Instagram video.

    In the video, Saint-Denis is seen looking over a restaurant menu that lists his former opponents as different burgers. Mauricio Ruffy is described as Brazilian beef with salsa, Beneil Dariush is a beef that has never seen the light of day, and Dan Hooker is beef pounded thin. The next item on the menu is listed as Le Rosbeef, which translates to roast beef, a dish closely associated with England.

    Pimblett is from Liverpool, England, and there are no other British fighters ranked in the UFC lightweight top ten. Fans have drawn the obvious conclusion that Saint-Denis is signaling their matchup without officially announcing it.

    Saint-Denis is currently ranked number five in the UFC lightweight division. Pimblett suffered his first UFC loss at UFC 324 in January, dropping a five-round decision to Justin Gaethje in an interim lightweight title fight. The return to action at UFC 329 would be his first fight since that defeat.

    UFC 329 is shaping up as a stacked card, with Conor McGregor’s comeback also strongly linked to the event. Dana White said negotiations with McGregor are “looking good” at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday. Daniel Rodriguez has also claimed he agreed to face Leon Edwards on the card, and heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson has been officially confirmed.

  • Paddy Pimblett Calls Dana White and Eddie Hearn Feud ‘Very Teenage Girlish’

    Paddy Pimblett Calls Dana White and Eddie Hearn Feud ‘Very Teenage Girlish’

    Paddy Pimblett has been watching the Dana White and Eddie Hearn feud unfold with amusement, and he has some pointed observations about what it says about both men.

    Pimblett was in attendance at Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing event in Liverpool to support close friend Molly McCann and found himself in the middle of the latest chapter of a promotional rivalry that has seen the two executives trade insults publicly, float the idea of fighting each other, and take shots at each other’s businesses across multiple platforms.

    His verdict on the behavior was delivered without much diplomacy.

    “It’s hilarious, but you know, first and foremost Dana’s an MMA promoter. First and foremost, Eddie’s a boxing promoter. They’re having a little bit of a mad spat at the minute. Without being disrespectful to either of them, it’s very teenage girlish, but they’ll get over it. They’re both going to end up being sweet, so we crack on for now,” Pimblett told iFL TV.

    When asked which way he would lean if the fight somehow materialized, Pimblett acknowledged the obvious size and reach advantage Hearn would hold while making his loyalty clear. “I’ve seen it all, it’s f—ing madness, isn’t it? I don’t know. It’s not going to happen. Dana’s not going to box Eddie, I think it’s a bit of a mad situation. Eddie’s got the reach on him, but Dana’s my boss, I’m backing Dana. Dana’s going to spark him out. At the same time, it’s not going to happen.”

    The sharpest part of Pimblett’s commentary came when he turned his attention to what the fight would actually pay out compared to what either man pays the athletes on their rosters.

    “The funniest thing is if they fought each other, they’d get paid well more than what the fighters getting paid,” Pimblett said. “Thirty mil each, no boxers getting that under Eddie Hearn and no UFC fighter’s getting that under Dana. They’d earn more dough than the fighters fighting, you know what I mean? That’s the funniest thing about it. And they’ve got nothing on any fighter they’ve got, but you know, that’s just the way the world works.”

    White was at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday and addressed Hearn’s ongoing fight tease by calling him “a f—ing bum” who “says a lot of dumb shit,” while also describing himself as “old.” Hearn had claimed at the Liverpool event that their bout would do over a million pay-per-view buys.

    The feud has its roots in real business competition. White signed Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing fighter Conor Benn for Zuffa Boxing, and Hearn responded by securing a management deal with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall through Matchroom Talent Agency.

  • Paddy Pimblett Rips Mateusz Gamrot After UFC 327 Win

    Paddy Pimblett Rips Mateusz Gamrot After UFC 327 Win

    Paddy Pimblett had plenty to say about Mateusz Gamrot after watching UFC 327, and none of it was kind.

    The ranked lightweight contender posted a YouTube reaction video in which he criticized Gamrot’s marketability, questioned his placement on the card, and offered unsolicited advice on how the Polish fighter should approach his next move. Pimblett was surprised that a top-ten fighter was competing on the prelims.

    “I didn’t know Gamrot was fighting,” Pimblett said. “No one gives a f— about him, it’s mad. He’s ranked number 8, and he’s fighting on the prelims.”

    He went further, attributing the lack of interest to Gamrot’s style inside the cage. “It just genuinely shows nobody cares about him. Gamrot is boring,” Pimblett said following Gamrot’s third-round submission victory over Esteban Ribovics.

    Despite the criticism, Pimblett shifted into strategist mode and laid out what he believes would be Gamrot’s fastest path to title contention. He pointed to Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked number one in the division, as the obvious call-out given that Gamrot already holds a win over the Armenian.

    “If I’m Gamrot, I’m calling Arman out because he’s beat him,” Pimblett said. “‘Come on, Arman, do you wanna get that one back? Fight me!’ You can go straight to number one contender, basically.” He also mentioned Dan Hooker as another viable option.

    Pimblett himself has been out of action since suffering his first UFC loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January. Reports indicate he and Dana White have agreed on a return date at UFC London, with plans for him to face a top contender at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11.

  • Paddy Pimblett Targets Summer UFC Return, Names Potential Opponents

    Paddy Pimblett Targets Summer UFC Return, Names Potential Opponents

    Paddy Pimblett is aiming for a summer return to the UFC, expressing his willingness to face several high-profile opponents. The #6 ranked lightweight is eager to get back in action following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Pimblett also voiced his frustration with Benoit Saint Denis moving ahead of him in the rankings.

    Pimblett (9-1 in the UFC) lost to Justin Gaethje by unanimous decision at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title. He is targeting a summer return to the Octagon and mentions Benoit Saint Denis, the loser of Max Holloway-Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan as potential opponents.

    Pimblett’s Opponent Wishlist

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Paddy Pimblett addressed his next steps.

    “To be honest, I’ll be honest with you all, it pissed me off that Saint Denis has moved above me for beating that bum Dan Hooker,” Pimblett said.

    Pimblett continued,

    “I’ll fight anyone. I just know whatever name gets sent to me on a contract, I sign it and I fight them. But Saint Denis sounds like a good fight to me. Europe’s two best lightweights going at it against each other. Or, I won’t get the winner, but the loser of Max [Holloway]-Charles [Oliveira]. F*ck, I’ll fight Arman if you’s want me to. I don’t give a f*ck. I’ll fight anyone.”

    Pimblett added that he has no injuries and plans to return sooner than expected, targeting summer.

  • Conor McGregor Drove to Paddy Pimblett’s House, but Refused to Face Him

    Conor McGregor Drove to Paddy Pimblett’s House, but Refused to Face Him

    Dan Hooker made headlines during UFC 325 media day in Sydney on January 27, 2026, when he revealed an alleged confrontation between Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett that dates back several years. The New Zealand lightweight claimed that McGregor drove to Pimblett’s Liverpool home and sat outside calling him, but the Scouse fighter refused to come out.​

    Speaking during the fight week interview ahead of his co-main event bout against Benoit Saint Denis, Hooker addressed his ongoing feud with Pimblett. The comments came as Hooker criticized Pimblett’s behavior pattern of making inflammatory statements before playing the victim.

    Dan Hooker Claims Conor McGregor Drove to Paddy Pimblett’s House in Confrontation

    “This guy talks and then he gets caught on his shit and turns into the victim,” Hooker said during the media appearance. “He talked shit about Conor McGregor, then McGregor drove around to his house and sat outside calling the bloke, and Paddy refused to come outside.”​

    The claim references an incident that allegedly occurred around 2016 or 2017, when McGregor visited Liverpool for the Grand National horse racing festival at Aintree. During that trip, McGregor was documented attending various parties around Liverpool, including ending up in a tree house during what was described as a three-day celebration.

    Pimblett himself addressed this incident years earlier in 2021, ahead of his UFC debut. During an interview, he explained that McGregor was “supposedly outside my house” but suggested the Irish star may have knocked on the wrong door. Pimblett stated that his mother had CCTV cameras installed at the time, and no footage captured McGregor at their residence. “If he was outside my house, that was getting videoed and put all over me Instagram,” Pimblett said.

    The Liverpool fighter speculated that McGregor either wanted to party or confront him, but noted he wished the former champion had actually shown up. Pimblett clarified in 2022 interviews that McGregor was with “another Scouser” during the Liverpool visit and may have been misdirected to the wrong address.​

    The tension between Hooker and Pimblett escalated dramatically in January 2026, ahead of Pimblett’s UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje. Pimblett made an offensive remark about Hooker’s grappling abilities during a podcast appearance, which referenced Hooker’s recent submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan.

    Hooker responded by mentioning Ricky, a close friend of Pimblett who died by suicide in 2022, sparking fierce backlash on social media. The exchange turned personal quickly, with both fighters trading insults ahead of their respective January 2026 bouts.

    Pimblett went on to lose his interim title fight against Gaethje via unanimous decision at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, suffering his first UFC defeat.

    Paddy TMZ
    TMZ Sports

    Hooker is scheduled to face Saint Denis in the co-main event at UFC 325 on February 1, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The event marks Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title defense against Diego Lopes in a rematch.

  • Dan Hooker to ‘Kick Paddy Pimblett’s Head In’ After Joke

    Dan Hooker to ‘Kick Paddy Pimblett’s Head In’ After Joke

    Dan Hooker has made it clear there’s no coming back from what Paddy Pimblett said. The New Zealand lightweight delivered a pointed warning in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, confirming that the feud between the two fighters has crossed into deeply personal territory.​

    The rivalry began as standard fighter banter. Both men exchanged jabs about each other’s skills, with Pimblett questioning Hooker’s grappling ability following his submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar in November. The trash talk seemed harmless until Pimblett made a comment during an interview with The MMA Guru that changed everything.

    “It’s on Sight,” Paddy Pimblett Will Get His Head “Kicked-In” By Dan Hooker for Controversial Joke

    “Dan Hooker couldn’t grapple a r-pist off his mum,” Pimblett said, using the hypothetical scenario to mock Hooker’s grappling skills. The comment sparked immediate backlash across the MMA community, with many saying the Liverpool fighter had gone too far by bringing family into the conversation.​

    Hooker’s response was swift and equally controversial. He referenced Ricky, Pimblett’s close friend who died by suicide in 2022, writing “RIP Ricky” on social media. The exchange spiraled from there, with both fighters declaring their next meeting would be “on sight”.

    Speaking with Helwani, Hooker explained where the line was crossed. “Name a fighter in history that’s ever made a rape joke about someone’s mother,” he said. “As fighters, that’s just a line that we don’t cross. You don’t talk about family. You don’t mention people’s wives, mothers and kids. That’s on the no-go list”.

    Hooker made it clear the initial trash talk about grappling skills meant nothing to him. “The UFC was freaking out like, ‘If Dan and Paddy see each other at the hotel in Qatar…’ I’m like, what, because he said I’m shit at jiu-jitsu? I couldn’t give a flying fuck if someone said I’m shit at jiu-jitsu,” Hooker explained. But Pimblett’s comment about his mother changed the dynamic completely.​

    “He wanted a reaction, he got one,” Hooker said. “And from that, I want to take this kid’s head off. I just needed to make sure that feeling was mutual. He wants to say some horrible shit, I’m going to say some horrible shit back, so that when we see each other, that feeling is mutual”.​

    When asked what “on sight” means, Hooker didn’t mince words. “I’ll try to kick his head in,” he said. “If anyone makes a comment like that towards me, I’ll kick your head in”.​

    The timing adds fuel to the fire. Pimblett just suffered his first UFC loss, dropping a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on January 24. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46 in Gaethje’s favor after a grueling five-round war that saw Pimblett knocked down multiple times.

    Meanwhile, Hooker is set to face Benoit Saint Denis this weekend at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. The co-main event takes place on February 1 at Qudos Bank Arena. Hooker is coming off his own loss to Tsarukyan and took the fight on a quick turnaround, telling Helwani he “had a bad taste in my mouth” after that defeat.​

    Hooker made clear he’s not interested in watching others fight Pimblett. “That does absolutely nothing,” he said. “That doesn’t make me feel any better”. He wants the fight himself, though he acknowledged it wouldn’t be smart to chase it immediately after his upcoming bout.​

    The New Zealand fighter went further, questioning Pimblett’s longevity in the sport following the Gaethje fight. “He looks like a baby giraffe,” Hooker said, critiquing Pimblett’s fighting style. He suggested that Pimblett has benefited from opponent selection and will struggle now that he’s facing top competition consistently. “The hard part is not fighting Justin Gaethje. It’s like, now you had a five-round war with Justin Gaethje, well, your next fight’s going to be a five-round war.”

  • “I’m Glad To Watch Warriors Like These Two” – Paulo Costa, Dustin Poirier, Belal Muhammad And Other Fighters & Fans Extol Justin Gaethje And Paddy Pimblett After Interim Title War At UFC 324

    “I’m Glad To Watch Warriors Like These Two” – Paulo Costa, Dustin Poirier, Belal Muhammad And Other Fighters & Fans Extol Justin Gaethje And Paddy Pimblett After Interim Title War At UFC 324

    Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett put an exclamation point to start the UFC on Paramount era, putting on a memorable classic that will be considered perhaps the first nominee for 2026’s Fight of the Year.

    And now after all that violence, Gaethje took the decision in the UFC 324 main event and became a two-time interim UFC lightweight champion in the process.

    The two went to a trading battle early, as both looked to control the cage and make the other taste their power. Pimblett connected with a pair of shots, only for Gaethje to respond with a solid counter. Gaethje landed a left hand that dropped Pimblett, stunning him, but Pimblett got back to the feet.

    The two continued to trade, though notably Pimblett was connected with a series of leg kicks to compromise Gaethje’s legs. Gaethje looked for a headlock early in round two, but Pimblett worked his way out of it. Gaethje continued his momentum, rocking Pimblett with a knee after a second front headlock and landing a barrage of ground strikes before the horn to end the second round.

    Gaethje’s momentum slowed during the third round, as the fight pace slowed but Pimblett’s jab was on display. A strong right late in the round caught Gaethje’s attention, and Gaethje attempted to respond back.

    Pimblett landed a strong left early in the fourth round, but Gaethje made Pimblett taste power again with a left hook before a wrestling-style cradle on the ground briefly. Gaethje scored another knockdown immediately after by catching a kick and landing an overhand right. Gaethje rocked Pimblett with another series of bombs against the fence. Pimblett connected flush on Gaethje, only for Gaethje to answer with strong ground strikes before the end of the round.

    Justin Gaethje Claims Interim Lightweight Title In War With Paddy Pimblett At UFC 324

    Entering the fifth, Gaethje had the edge in significant strikes 148-134. Both connected with hard shots in the first minute of round five. Pimblett looked for a takedown, but Gaethje countered, and the two battled against the fence until there were about 100 seconds remaining.

    With both men tired, Pimblett landed a strong combination that forced Gaethje to clinch. Both men landed on the inside before Gaethje pressed Pimblett against the fence again. The two threw down for the final 10 seconds, and they made it to the final horn.

    Gaethje has now won four of his last six fights. Previously, Gaethje defeated Tony Ferguson for interim lightweight gold at UFC 249 but was unsuccessful in his UFC 254 unification bout with a retiring Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    Pimblett tastes defeat in the Octagon for the first time since his 2021 UFC debut. This is his first loss since falling to Soren Bak in Cage Warriors in September 2018.

  • UFC 324 Results: Gaethje vs Pimblett Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC 324 Results: Gaethje vs Pimblett Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC 324 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This historic card marks the first UFC event streaming exclusively on Paramount+, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Gaethje vs Pimblett: Interim Lightweight Title Fight

    Gaethje enters this fight with three wins in his last four. His wins in this stretch include knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 for the BMF belt and, most recently, defeating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.

    Gaethje is a former interim lightweight champion. He defeated Tony Ferguson for that title at UFC 249 in 2020 but fell short in his undisputed title fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov later that year.

    This will be the first UFC championship opportunity for Pimblett, who has been a rising star for the promotion since his Octagon arrival in 2021. The former Cage Warriors featherweight champion has won performance bonuses in five of his seven UFC fights, and he’s a perfect 7-0 in the Octagon so far.

    Pimblett comes into this bout off his highlight finish of Michael Chandler at UFC 314.

    The co-main event will see the return of former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, as he takes on Song Yadong.

    O’Malley enters off consecutive losses for the first time in his career. He dropped the bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 2: UFC 306 and was submitted in the rematch at UFC 316. Yadong, meanwhile, has won three of his last four, including a win over Henry Cejudo last year at UFC Seattle.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC 324!

    How to Watch UFC 324

    • Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
    • Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT
    • Late Prelims: 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    UFC 324 Quick Results

    • Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett — Gaethje def. Pimblett via unanimous decision
    • Co-Main: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong — O’Malley def. Yadong via unanimous decision
    • Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis — Cortes-Acosta def. Lewis via TKO (Rd. 2, 3:14)
    • Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas — Silva def. Namajunas via unanimous decision
    • Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva — Silva def. Allen via unanimous decision

    UFC 324 Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5:30 PM ET)

    Welterweight: Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller

    Result: Ty Miller def. Adam Fugitt via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:59)

    Heavyweight: Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman

    Result: Josh Hokit def. Denzel Freeman via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:59)

    Late Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET)

    Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson

    Result: Alex Perez def. Charles Johnson via TKO (Rd. 1, 3:16)

    Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas

    Result: Nikita Krylov def. Modestas Bukauskas via KO (Rd. 3, 4:57)

    Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev

    Result: Ateba Gautier def. Andrey Pulyaev via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

    Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

    Result: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Deiveson Figueiredo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva

    Result: Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

    Women’s Flyweight: Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas

    Result: Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis

    Result: Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Derrick Lewis via TKO (Rd. 2, 3:14)

    Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong

    Result: Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Interim Lightweight Championship: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

    Result: Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

  • Justin Gaethje Vows to “Dog Walk” Paddy Pimblett After Dustin Poirier Comments

    Justin Gaethje made his intentions clear at the UFC 324 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, promising to dominate Paddy Pimblett after the Liverpool fighter criticized Dustin Poirier’s retirement bout performance.

    Justin Gaethje Looks to Dog Walk Paddy Pimblett a UFC 324

    The 37-year-old American took exception to Pimblett’s recent comments about Poirier looking like “dog s***” against Max Holloway at UFC 318 last July. Gaethje defended his former rival during the press event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, accusing Pimblett of disrespecting one of the sport’s established figures.

    “No, I love it. This guy, I love everything he’s been saying. He definitely sounds overconfident. He’s out here disrespecting legends like Dustin Poirier. I’m going to dog walk this English [expletive] on Saturday. Watch,” Gaethje said.​​

    The former interim lightweight champion added that his competitive fire remains at full strength despite approaching what he has described as the final chapter of his career. Gaethje holds a 26-5 professional record and has earned 14 post-fight bonuses during his UFC run.

    “I’m still in it – legends are retired, I ain’t retired yet. I’m still in it. The fire is still as bright and as hot as it’s ever been and I cannot wait to fight this guy. I constantly am building momentum and this is a battle of momentum, and I said I’m going to dog walk this [expletive] if he lasts that long,” Gaethje stated.

    Pimblett attempted to clarify his remarks during the press conference, explaining that Poirier had never spoken positively about him, which justified his honest assessment of the Holloway fight. The 30-year-old stands at 23-3 with seven consecutive UFC victories, including a third-round TKO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April that propelled him into the lightweight top five.

    When Pimblett defended his position, Gaethje quickly responded that the British fighter would fare no better against Holloway.

    The fighters will compete for the interim lightweight title on Saturday, January 24, at T-Mobile Arena after champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not fight in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal circumstances. The winner is expected to face Topuria later this year to unify the championship.

    Gaethje outlined his tactical approach for the matchup, stating he plans to apply sustained pressure to neutralize Pimblett’s reach advantage. “I think I need to fight smart. At the highest level you cannot make mistakes. If you watch all the champions, they’re moving forward. I’m going to move forward and I’m going to be in his chest. I’m going to put my head in his chest. He’s got really long arms – it’s going to be hard to hit me when my head’s in his chest.”

  • Paddy Pimblett Defends Interim Title: ‘I Am the Champion’

    Paddy Pimblett Defends Interim Title: ‘I Am the Champion’

    Liverpool fighter Paddy Pimblett believes he will be the legitimate UFC lightweight champion when he faces Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 this Saturday, dismissing criticism about the interim nature of the belt and questioning his opponent’s motivation heading into the contest.

    Speaking with TMZ ahead of the January 24 bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pimblett addressed the distinction between interim and undisputed championships. The fight was created after current champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal reasons related to his ongoing divorce proceedings.

    Paddy Pimblett Defends Interim Title Status Ahead of UFC 324

    “I am the UFC’s lightweight champion while the champ’s not there, you know what I mean?” Pimblett said. “Ilia’s not fighting. The division needs to move on and for now I am the champion. I’m the active one, I’m the one who’s going to be fighting; he’s not. So when I win this belt, I am the champ.”

    The 31-year-old, who enters the fight ranked fifth in the lightweight division, also took aim at Gaethje’s attitude toward interim titles. The 37-year-old former interim champion famously threw the belt on the floor after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May 2020, telling Joe Rogan he would “wait for the real one”.

    “I think that’s another thing that goes against Justin,” Pimblett continued. “He’s not really too bothered about an interim title, is he? He threw it on the floor last time he won it. I think the only reason he’s too interested in this one is because he’s getting more money. You get paid more for challenging for the title. I think Justin’s already checked out a little bit, to be honest.”​

    Pimblett brings a seven-fight winning streak in the UFC into the contest, most recently stopping Michael Chandler in the third round at UFC 314 in April 2025. His undefeated run in the promotion has included victories over Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Jordan Leavitt, earning him five Performance of the Night bonuses.

    Gaethje, ranked fourth at lightweight, last competed in March 2025 when he defeated Rafael Fiziev via majority decision at UFC 313. The former World Series of Fighting lightweight champion has lost both of his previous attempts at the undisputed UFC title, falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in 2020 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in 2022.

    Topuria has indicated he plans to return to the octagon between April and June to face the winner in a unification bout. The 28-year-old Georgian-Spanish fighter won the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025 and is dealing with custody matters and what he describes as “false allegations of domestic abuse” during divorce proceedings.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Calls UFC 324 Interim Title Fight a ‘Joke’

    Arman Tsarukyan Calls UFC 324 Interim Title Fight a ‘Joke’

    The UFC lightweight division’s top contender has spoken out on being passed over for a title shot. Arman Tsarukyan told Demetrious Johnson’s MightyCast that the interim championship bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 represents a business decision over merit, one that leaves the true number one contender on the sidelines.​

    “For me it’s a joke that these guys are fighting for the belt when I’m the number one contender,” Tsarukyan said during the January 20 interview. The Armenian fighter currently holds the top ranking at 155 pounds after defeating Dan Hooker via second-round submission in November 2025, cementing his status with a Performance of the Night bonus.

    Arman Tsarukyan Calls Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje a “Joke”

    Tsarukyan made no attempt to hide his feelings about the matchup. When asked who he favored between the two fighters, his response was blunt: “I hope it’s Gaethje, because I don’t like Paddy.”​

    The disdain runs deeper than simple rivalry. Tsarukyan explained that a Pimblett victory could derail his title aspirations. “It’s going to be hard to fight him because UFC going to push me back for a couple years,” he told Johnson. The two fighters have traded barbs for months, with Pimblett recently questioning Tsarukyan’s resume while the Armenian has criticized the Brit’s path to contention.​

    “If it was me versus Paddy right now it would be such a big fight,” Tsarukyan argued, “Both young, both never been knocked out. They’re hungry.”​

    Criticism of Gaethje’s Title Path

    While Tsarukyan hopes Gaethje wins, he questions whether the American deserves the opportunity at all. “Gaethje’s not that interesting – he barely beat Fiziev and they give him a title fight,” the contender said, referencing the controversial majority decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 in March 2023.

    “He’s old. He had his chance. He got knocked out. He lost a lot of times,” Tsarukyan said, likely alluding to Gaethje’s brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway.

    Gaethje holds a 26-5 record with a 9-5 mark inside the Octagon, having lost multiple title bids during his UFC tenure.

    It’s Just Business

    Tsarukyan acknowledged the reality of UFC matchmaking when pressed about his title shot prospects. “Yeah, it’s just business,” he told Johnson when discussing the decision to pass him over. The fighter expressed frustration at being asked to serve as backup despite his ranking, noting he would take the fight on short notice if called upon at 155 pounds.​

    “I’ll get my title for sure,” Tsarukyan said. He pulled out of a scheduled championship bout against Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025 due to a back injury sustained during his weight cut, which may have factored into the UFC’s decision to move forward without him.

    The Armenian has remained active through grappling competitions and submission wrestling events while waiting for his next UFC booking.

  • Justin Gaethje Questions Pimblett’s Five-Round Experience

    Justin Gaethje Questions Pimblett’s Five-Round Experience

    Justin Gaethje dismissed Paddy Pimblett’s recent verbal challenges and questioned the Liverpool fighter’s readiness for the championship distance as the two prepare to meet for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas.

    Speaking at Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference, Gaethje remained unfazed by Pimblett’s promise to deliver a beating unlike any the veteran has experienced. The former BMF champion instead pointed to a critical difference between the two fighters heading into their main event clash at T-Mobile Arena.

    “I certainly take nothing from those comments. It’s 25 minutes in time right now; what he’s saying right now does not matter,” Gaethje said. “All it tells me is hopefully he’s going to be overconfident, and the last thing you can do in this sport is have a false confidence. He’d be crazy not to know that I’m one of the most dangerous guys he’s ever fought.”​​

    Justin Gaethje Questions Paddy Pimblett’s Five-Round Readiness Ahead of UFC 324

    The 37-year-old emphasized the experience gap when it comes to five-round contests, a format Pimblett has never encountered in the UFC. Gaethje noted he has been scheduled for championship-distance fights at least 20 times throughout his career, including multiple five-round title bouts during his undefeated World Series of Fighting run and seven five-round UFC appearances.​

    “I’ve been scheduled for a five-round fight at least 20 times in my career. It’s a different ball game,” Gaethje explained. “I want to take him to the fourth and fifth round. I want to do the same thing I’ve done before – turn his face into minced meat. I’ve done it to higher-caliber fighters, but this guy has a lot of momentum and confidence, and those are some of the most dangerous variables I’ll be facing.”​

    Gaethje elaborated on how the extended format changes preparation, particularly for fighters without that experience. “You don’t know what you don’t know. He hasn’t been there,” he continued. “Out of my 26 or 31 fights, I’ve been scheduled for at least 20 five-rounders. It’s different training, different mindset, different tactics. I train at elevation – if I’m tired, I know they’re really tired. He’s going to be exhausted when we get to those rounds.”​​

    The former interim champion referenced his recent three-round battles as evidence of his championship conditioning advantages. “You watch my three-round fights – Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev – those were close fights on paper, but if they went to the fourth and fifth round, I would have hurt them very badly,” Gaethje said. “That’s what I’m hoping I can do this Saturday.”​​

    Pimblett, who holds a perfect 7-0 UFC record, has only competed in five-round fights three times during his Cage Warriors tenure, losing two of those contests. The 30-year-old from Liverpool has never been past the third round in his UFC career.

    Despite recognizing Pimblett as a legitimate threat, Gaethje maintained confidence in his ability to expose the durability and conditioning questions that come with championship rounds. “I think he’s really good. This sport is crazy – anything can happen at any moment,” Gaethje acknowledged.

    “All the people that have those opinions, that say the guys he beat were over the hill or past their prime, they’ve never taken the risk that we take. A bunch of cowards that just like to talk. I don’t care what people say about him. I know that he’s dangerous, I know that he’s confident, and those are two huge variables. It’s a constant battle for momentum and I’m going to have to take it early and keep it.”​​

    When asked about Pimblett’s claim that “Scousers don’t get knocked out,” Gaethje offered a clinical response that underscored his finishing pedigree of 20 career knockouts. “You don’t have to be a doctor to know that if you have a brain, you can get shut off if I just shake it. I’ll show him – if I can shake his head and make his brain touch his skull, he’s going to go to sleep,” he stated.

    “The only thing that appeals to me right now is knocking a Scouser out and representing America. That’s what I’m here to do… whatever a Scouser is.”

  • Demetrious Johnson Explains Why Paddy Pimblett Can Beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

    Demetrious Johnson Explains Why Paddy Pimblett Can Beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

    Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has thrown his support behind Paddy Pimblett ahead of the Liverpool fighter’s interim lightweight title clash against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Johnson, who holds the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses with 11, believes Pimblett possesses the skills and mental fortitude to handle Gaethje’s pressure striking game when the two meet on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Why Demetrious Johnson Thinks Paddy Pimblett Is Ready For Justin Gaethje

    In a detailed breakdown of Pimblett’s third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, Johnson highlighted the Englishman’s ability to stay composed in dangerous positions. The 30-year-old Pimblett dominated a former Bellator champion and UFC title challenger, securing his seventh consecutive UFC victory in what represented the biggest win of his career to date.

    “The one thing that I like about Paddy Pimblett is that when he’s in a dangerous position, he’s going to start attacking submissions to keep the fight going,” ‘Mighty Mouse’ explained in his YouTube breakdown. “He’s done it against multiple opponents, even before the UFC days. You go back and watch him fight in Cage Warriors – he’ll lock up a kimura, he’ll jump for a flying triangle.”

    Johnson pointed to specific moments in the Chandler fight where Pimblett’s submission instincts kept him in control. When Chandler attempted to smother him against the cage, Pimblett threw a flying triangle that changed the dynamic of the exchange. “He does a flying triangle, gets slammed back on his back, then he pushes Michael Chandler down, tries to get the triangle more situated, and when Chandler postures up to defend, he kicks him off and gets up,” Johnson noted.

    Paddy Pimblett’s Scramble Game Has Justin Gaethje Written All Over It, Says ‘Mighty Mouse’

    The distance management Pimblett displayed against Chandler particularly impressed the former champion. Johnson identified what he called “the void” between the two fighters, explaining how Pimblett controlled the middle distance and made it difficult for Chandler to get inside.

    “We have the void right here. Each time Chandler comes into this space to try to start anything, it’s either a jab, a leg kick, the inside kick, or Paddy will blitz him, or he’ll back up throwing combinations,” Johnson said. “So Paddy is basically owning this area, giving Michael a hard time getting to him.”

    Johnson acknowledged that Gaethje presents different challenges than Chandler, particularly with his striking arsenal. The 36-year-old Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most devastating leg kickers in UFC history, using the technique to compromise opponents’ mobility and set up finishes. “I believe Justin is going to have that jab, that leg kick, and we’ll see how Paddy goes about it on the feet,” Johnson stated.

    Despite the threat Gaethje poses, Johnson praised Pimblett’s fearless approach to fighting. “Paddy doesn’t play dog – Paddy just goes, and he’s not scared to fight. He thrives more when the fight’s going, when the scrambles start, people picking him up, trying to slam him. That’s where he starts to thrive because he’s always in great condition, he’s always doing different submission attacks.”

    Johnson has consistently backed Pimblett’s championship potential, even when others have dismissed the Liverpool native. “I’ve always been chirping about Paddy Pimblett being a world champion just because he’s so dynamic – the way he moves, he’s very diverse with his submissions, he’s not scared to exchange. I don’t know why people overlook him. Look what he just did to Michael Chandler. Nobody’s done that to Michael Chandler in the UFC.”

  • UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett Says Wealthy Gaethje Has Lost His Hunger

    UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett Says Wealthy Gaethje Has Lost His Hunger

    Paddy Pimblett has cast doubt on Justin Gaethje’s hunger for the interim lightweight title ahead of their UFC 324 showdown, suggesting the veteran fighter has lost his competitive edge and is simply chasing one final payday.

    In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, the Liverpool fighter questioned whether Gaethje remains fully committed to the sport, pointing to his financial success as evidence of waning motivation. The comments come just days before the pair meet for the interim 155-pound championship on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.​​

    Paddy Pimblett Questions Justin Gaethje’s Motivation Ahead of UFC 324 Clash

    “Justin’s got a lot of money now. He’s driving around in a Lamborghini,” Pimblett said. “I think he’s just after one last big payday, but I’m not going to underestimate him. I think everyone underestimates me and I’d never do that to anyone else. The one time I did it, years ago with Jared Gordon, I nearly got beat. So I’ll never do that ever again.”​

    The reference to his controversial unanimous decision victory over Gordon at UFC 282 in December 2022 showed a rare moment of candour from the typically confident 31-year-old. That fight saw all three judges score the bout 29-28 in Pimblett’s favour despite widespread belief that Gordon had done enough to win, with fans booing the decision announcement at T-Mobile Arena.​

    Pimblett also challenged the narrative around Gaethje‘s knockout power, a trademark of the 37-year-old’s career that has produced 20 knockout victories across 26 professional wins.

    “People keep saying about his knockout power and I think I’ve got more knockout power than him,” Pimblett stated. “The last person he knocked out with his hands was James Vick in like 2018 or something – they were still wearing Reebok then.”​​

    “He finishes people with the accumulation of punches, but I don’t think he’s going to be able to hit me that much,” Pimblett added. “I’ll be too fast, too elusive, too good in my range.”​

    The interim title fight was created after current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal issues.

    Gaethje, ranked fourth in the UFC’s lightweight division, enters the fight having won his last bout against Rafael Fiziev via majority decision in March 2025. Pimblett, ranked fifth, carries a perfect 7-0 UFC record and is coming off a TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April 2025.​

    The fight headlines UFC 324, the first numbered event in the promotion’s landmark partnership with Paramount+. The deal eliminates pay-per-view fees for fans in the United States and Latin America, with all major numbered events and UFC Fight Night cards now available exclusively on the streaming platform.​

    For Pimblett, the opportunity represents the culmination of a journey that began nearly 16 years ago, “I’ve always said that this is going to happen. I’m going to be UFC champion,” he told TMZ. “So for that dream to finally come true on Saturday night, it’s going to be special.”​

  • Dan Hooker Explains Why You Don’t Want to Be a Fake like Colby Covington Amongst Paddy Pimblett Feud

    Dan Hooker Explains Why You Don’t Want to Be a Fake like Colby Covington Amongst Paddy Pimblett Feud

    New Zealand lightweight Dan Hooker has drawn a line between authenticity and performance in the UFC, taking aim at Colby Covington’s approach to self-promotion during a recent interview with Sky Sports.

    Dan Hooker: Don’t Be Fake Like Colby Covington

    “People can hate me for being me — I can live with that, that’s all right,” Hooker said. “It’s like, you don’t want to be Colby Covington, where they’re just scared that people won’t like the real them. I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for something I’m not.”​

    The comments from the 35-year-old veteran shows tensions around Covington’s admitted use of a character to remain relevant in the UFC. Covington revealed in 2019 that the promotion had told his management they would not re-sign him prior to his October 2017 bout against Demian Maia in Brazil. Facing career uncertainty while earning $30,000 to fight the number two welterweight in the world, Covington delivered the infamous post-fight rant that altered his trajectory.​

    After dominating Maia to a unanimous decision, Covington grabbed the microphone and called Brazilians “a bunch of filthy animals” and Brazil “a dump”. The promo went viral, forcing the UFC to reverse course. “That promo goes so viral on the internet, that the UFC’s like, we have to keep him, we have to re-sign him because that promo is so big,” Covington explained on The Candace Owens Show. The moment became the turning point that saved his career.​

    Since adopting the persona, Covington has achieved notable success, including capturing the interim welterweight championship against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 in June 2018. However, observers have noted the toll of maintaining the act. Former UFC lightweight Paul Felder suggested in March 2025 that Covington’s persona appears to be fading.

    Multiple training partners and opponents have reported that Covington presents as reserved and soft-spoken in private settings, contradicting the bombastic character displayed during fight promotions. Even Demian Maia noted that Covington was respectful during their pre-fight interactions, explaining that the aggressive promotion was simply a business tool.​

    Covington’s recent career trajectory reflects the challenges Hooker referenced. The former interim champion holds a 17-5 professional record but has won just once in his last four fights. His most recent appearance ended in a third-round TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa on December 14, 2024, when a doctor stopped the contest due to a severe cut above Covington’s eye. Buckley dominated the fight, landing 75 of 151 significant strikes compared to Covington’s 37 of 124.​

    Covington currently sits at number 14 in the UFC welterweight rankings. His last victory came against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March 2022. UFC President Dana White recently questioned Covington’s top-15 ranking during an interview, agreeing with criticism about his placement.​

    Hooker’s career stands in contrast to Covington’s current situation. The number six ranked lightweight brought a three-fight winning streak into his November 22, 2025 main event against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar. Despite losing via arm-triangle choke submission in the second round, Hooker had compiled victories over Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner in back-to-back split decisions prior to the loss.​​

    The New Zealander returns to action on January 31, 2026, facing number eight ranked Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. With a 24-13 professional record and 14-9 UFC mark, Hooker remains a fixture in the lightweight division’s upper tier.​

    Paddy Pimblett Beef

    Hooker’s comments arrive amid separate controversy involving fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett. The two engaged in a heated exchange on social media after Pimblett criticized Hooker’s grappling skills during an interview with MMA Guru. Hooker responded by referencing Pimblett’s close friend Ricky, who died by suicide in 2022, writing “RIP Ricky” in a post that sparked backlash.​​

    Pimblett fired back, calling Hooker’s comment “the lowest of the low” for bringing up a personal tragedy. The Liverpool fighter has been an advocate for mental health awareness since his friend’s death and expressed outrage at Hooker using the topic for trash talk.​​

    The exchange occurred as Pimblett prepares for the biggest fight of his career. The number five ranked lightweight faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout was created after current champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal reasons.​

  • Creating Damage: Justin Gaethje Outlines Systematic ‘Nasty’ Plan for Paddy Pimblett

    Creating Damage: Justin Gaethje Outlines Systematic ‘Nasty’ Plan for Paddy Pimblett

    Justin Gaethje has outlined a damage-focused approach for his interim lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, scheduled for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old veteran detailed his plan to systematically break down the undefeated Liverpool fighter through leg attacks before targeting a knockout finish.​

    Justin Gaethje Reveals Knockout Strategy for Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324

    “Styles make matchups and I think this is a very unique one,” Gaethje said on UFC 324 Countdown. “Paddy is young, hungry, dangerous. It’s everything I wanted, and even better because this guy is hugely popular. Pretty much all of my success has come from creating damage. I really have to start at his legs and make him forget about his head, and then try to punch his hair off. He’s going to look like every other fighter that I fight at the end of the fight – a lot of damage, just nasty.

    The matchup comes after UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would step away from competition through early 2026 due to personal matters, opening the door for an interim title bout between the fourth and fifth-ranked contenders. Gaethje holds a 26-5 record with 20 knockout victories, while Pimblett enters the fight with a 23-3 record and an unblemished 7-0 UFC run.​

    Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most devastating leg kickers in UFC history, consistently using the technique to compromise opponents’ mobility before finishing fights. His coach Trevor Wittman has been instrumental in developing this approach, which helped revive Gaethje’s career and earn him multiple Fight of the Night bonuses. Against Michael Chandler at UFC 268, Gaethje used leg kicks to systematically break down his opponent before earning a unanimous decision.​​

    The strategy appears particularly relevant against Pimblett, who has relied on grappling skills and submissions throughout his UFC career, with 10 career wins by submission. Pimblett earned his title shot after a third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, his biggest career win.​

    Gaethje acknowledged the stakes involved in what could be his final run at UFC gold. “This is a battle of momentum, but I have goals and ambitions, so I’m going to have to knock him out,” he said. “I do not plan on this fight going the distance. I’ve got this mad vision of knocking him out. I just don’t see how he survives five rounds.”​

    The Arizona native emphasized the evolution of his fighting approach under Wittman’s guidance. “What really separated me from the other high-level fighters early on was my willingness to take chances,” Gaethje explained. “My best defense is a nonstop offensive attack. I am one of the absolute masters at taking your legs away from you.”​

    Gaethje has already held an interim lightweight title after defeating Tony Ferguson in 2020, but failed in two attempts to secure the undisputed championship against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. His coach Wittman recently described UFC 324 as their “last run” at the title, stating they would not continue fighting simply for money if they fail to achieve their championship goal.​

    Pimblett, 30, trains at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Englishman has won nine consecutive fights dating back to 2018, with seven of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.

    Pimblett, 30, trains at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Englishman has won nine consecutive fights dating back to 2018, with seven of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.​

    UFC 324 marks the first numbered event under the promotion’s new seven-year, $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount, making it available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional pay-per-view cost. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET, with the winner expected to face Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship upon his return.​

    “Now I’m fighting for the championship,” Gaethje said. “I’m taking one more run at the title. This is my last hurrah and I would love nothing more than to finish this off exactly how I want it.”

  • Did Paddy Pimblett Cross the Line? Former UFC Champ Breaks It Down

    Did Paddy Pimblett Cross the Line? Former UFC Champ Breaks It Down

    Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has weighed in on the heated exchange between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker, suggesting the Liverpool fighter’s comments about Hooker’s mother were inappropriate but that the subsequent response went too far.​

    Michael Bisping Questions Whether Paddy Pimblett Crossed the Line With Dan Hooker Insults

    Pimblett sparked controversy during an interview with The MMA Guru when he criticized Hooker’s grappling abilities using a crude analogy involving Hooker’s mother.

    Bisping acknowledged the comment was out of bounds while offering context about regional humor. “You’ve got to remember he’s a lad from Liverpool where they do have a great sense of humor, but also it can be a little cutting, it can be a little bit dark, and he was speaking to another English guy,” Bisping said. “I’m not defending the fact that he brought up Dan Hooker’s mom – he should not have done that. But in the context it wasn’t that bad. He never said anything too bad. He was basically just talking about the grappling of Dan Hooker.”​

    Hooker responded on social media by referencing Pimblett’s friend Ricky, who died by suicide in 2022. The New Zealand fighter wrote “RIP Ricky” in a post that questioned whether Pimblett was a good friend. Bisping called the response understandable given the circumstances.

    “Dan came out with a response and said, ‘I thought we were mates. Obviously you’re not a very good mate, are you? #PaddyTheBaddy. RIP Ricky.’ And that is having a dig at one of his friends that ended his own life,” Bisping explained. “Paddy’s not happy with that and that is a disgusting comeback, it is. But given what Paddy said, it’s like the gloves are off. All’s fair in love and war.”​

    The former champion emphasized that bringing up mothers rarely ends well in combat sports. “Any time you bring up the mothers it never ends well,” Bisping said.

    “Men’s health and mental health is a huge issue – a tremendous amount of men pass away every year via suicide and it’s not a laughing matter – but as I say, Dan Hooker was offended, he was pissed off, very angry and emotional.”​

    UFC 324

    Bisping outlined potential matchmaking scenarios stemming from the feud. Pimblett faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Hooker meets Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325 in Sydney one week later.

    “If Paddy beats Gaethje he becomes the interim champion. After that, Dan Hooker’s off his radar – he will not get to fight Dan Hooker,” Bisping said. “But if Paddy loses – if he loses – I think we might see this fight happen pretty quickly.”​

    Regarding acceptable boundaries in trash talk, Bisping was clear about where lines should be drawn. “You don’t talk about families and you certainly don’t talk about mothers and you certainly don’t make fun of people that have passed away,” he said. “Leave all that off the table. Talk about them, their looks, their fights, the way they dress – whatever you want – just leave all that out of it.”​

    Despite the controversy, Bisping noted the exchange benefits Pimblett’s profile. “It does make it spicy, it does give people like me something to talk about and it certainly makes the matchmaking interesting,” he said. “Whether people love him or hate him, they’re all going to tune in to watch him.”

  • UFC 324 Card This Weekend: Full Fight Card, Where to Watch on Paramount

    UFC 324 Card This Weekend: Full Fight Card, Where to Watch on Paramount

    UFC 324 is the next UFC fight this weekend, streaming live on Saturday night, January 24, 2026, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This is the first UFC card of 2026 and marks the debut of the UFC on Paramount+, meaning fans can watch without paying traditional pay-per-view prices. The main event features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.

    Key Points

    • UFC Card This Weekend: UFC 324 streams Saturday, Jan 24 on Paramount+ — the first UFC fight of the new Paramount era
    • Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship
    • Where to Watch UFC 324: Paramount+ (included with subscription—no PPV cost). Main card starts 9 PM ET

    UFC 324 Where to Watch: Paramount+ Streaming Details

    UFC 324 is available to watch on Paramount+ in the United States as part of the UFC’s new $7.7 billion media rights deal. Unlike previous UFC pay-per-views that cost $79.99, this UFC fight card is included with your Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost. This makes UFC 324 the first numbered event since UFC 267 in 2021 to not air on traditional pay-per-view in the U.S.

    The UFC schedule for Saturday night features an earlier start time than fans are used to—the main card begins at 9 PM ET instead of the traditional 10 PM slot, so you’ll finish watching at a more reasonable hour.

    UFC 324 Full Fight Card

    FightWeight Class/Stipulation
    Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy PimblettInterim Lightweight Championship
    Sean O’Malley vs. Song YadongBantamweight Bout
    Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick LewisHeavyweight Bout
    Natalia Silva vs. Rose NamajunasWomen’s Flyweight Bout
    Jean Silva vs. Arnold AllenFeatherweight Bout

    UFC 324 Prelims Card

    FightWeight Class
    Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson FigueiredoBantamweight
    Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey PulyaevMiddleweight
    Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas BukauskasLight Heavyweight

    UFC 324 Early Prelims Card

    FightWeight Class
    Alex Perez vs. Charles JohnsonFlyweight
    Michael Johnson vs. Alexander HernandezLightweight
    Josh Hokit vs. Denzel FreemanHeavyweight
    Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron SmothermanBantamweight
    Ty Miller vs. Adam FugittWelterweight

    UFC 324 Fight Previews

    Paddy Pimblett Next Fight: vs. Justin Gaethje for Interim Lightweight Title

    Paddy Pimblett’s next fight is the biggest of his career—a five-round main event against Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight championship. The Liverpool native (23-3) enters on a nine-fight winning streak, including seven straight UFC victories. His most recent win came via submission over Michael Chandler at UFC 314.

    Pimblett has predicted an early finish, claiming the UFC fight won’t go past the third round. He plans to keep the fight standing initially before implementing his elite grappling, telling media he’s confident his unorthodox style will pose problems for the veteran.

    At 37 years old, Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (26-5) is making what could be his final push for undisputed UFC gold. The former interim champion previously held the belt after defeating Tony Ferguson in 2020 but has fallen short in two undisputed title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

    Gaethje remains one of the most violent fighters in UFC history, earning performance bonuses in 12 of his 14 Octagon appearances. He’s just $50,000 away from becoming the second UFC fighter to earn $1 million in post-fight bonuses. A win puts him directly in line to face undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has indicated a spring return.

    Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong – Bantamweight Bout

    Former bantamweight champion Sean “Suga” O’Malley (18-3) is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak after dropping back-to-back bouts to Merab Dvalishvili. Despite the setbacks, O’Malley remains one of MMA’s biggest draws and holds a controversial split decision victory over current bantamweight champion Petr Yan.

    Song Yadong (22-8) has quietly climbed the rankings with a 3-1 record in his last four UFC fights. The Chinese power puncher defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in February 2025 and sees this as his opportunity to break into title contention. A win over a former champion on this UFC card could be career-defining.

    Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo – Bantamweight Bout

    This prelim headliner is a potential title eliminator. Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1), the #1 ranked bantamweight, bounced back from his first career loss with a dominant victory over Mario Bautista in October. Former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1) has revitalized his career at 135 pounds and is making one more push for championship gold at age 37.

    Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis – Heavyweight Bout

    Undefeated Dominican heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta (10-0) brings back-to-back first-round finishes into this clash against knockout legend Derrick Lewis (28-12). Lewis blitzed Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds last July. This heavyweight collision could end in a flash.

    Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas – Women’s Flyweight Bout

    Natalia Silva (17-5) enters with a perfect 7-0 UFC record and a seven-fight winning streak, putting her on the doorstep of flyweight title contention. Former two-time strawweight champion Rose “Thug Rose” Namajunas (12-6) has won three of her last four fights since moving to 125 pounds.

    UFC 324 Card Changes

    The UFC 324 card was originally scheduled to feature a women’s bantamweight championship co-main event between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes—which would have marked Nunes’ return from retirement. However, Harrison withdrew after being diagnosed with herniated discs in her neck requiring surgery. The fight is expected to be rescheduled.

    When Is the Next UFC Fight? UFC Schedule Jan 24

    UFC 324 is the next UFC fight, taking place this Saturday night on January 24, 2026. Here’s the complete UFC schedule for this weekend:

    • Early Prelims: Saturday, Jan 24 at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT (Paramount+)
    • Prelims: Saturday, Jan 24 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT (Paramount+)
    • Main Card: Saturday, Jan 24 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT (Paramount+)

    How to Watch UFC 324 on Paramount

    • Date/Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Main Card at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
    • Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming (U.S.): Paramount+ (included with subscription—no additional PPV cost)
    • Streaming (UK): TNT Sports Box Office (£19.99)
    • Streaming (International): Paramount+ in Latin America and Australia; availability varies by region

    This is the first UFC fight under the new Paramount UFC deal, which runs for seven years and is valued at $7.7 billion. All UFC events, including numbered cards, are now included with a Paramount+ subscription in the United States.

    Don’t Miss MMA News Coverage

    Stay tuned to MMANews.com for complete UFC 324 coverage: live results, fight recaps, post-fight analysis, and all the latest UFC 2026 news from Las Vegas throughout fight week.