Justin Gaethje proved once again why he's one of the most dangerous lightweights in UFC history, battering Paddy Pimblett over five brutal rounds to claim the interim championship in the main event of UFC 324. In the promotion's first event under its new Paramount partnership, Gaethje not only secured his second interim title but also delivered a performance that will be remembered for both its violence and its significance—marking the dawn of a new era with six-figure bonuses and immediate championship implications.
Gaethje's Redemption: From Underdog to Two-Time Interim Champion
Few gave Justin Gaethje a chance against the surging Paddy Pimblett, but the veteran showcased his trademark resilience and power to earn a unanimous decision victory (49‑46, 48‑47, 48‑47). The fight was a classic Gaethje affair: relentless pressure, thunderous leg kicks, and several moments where he appeared to have Pimblett on the brink of a finish. Despite Pimblett's legendary toughness—the Englishman never went down for a full count—Gaethje controlled the majority of the exchanges and left the octagon with the interim lightweight belt strapped around his waist.
"I've done it too many times to try to think that it's over or he's quitting," Gaethje said at the post‑fight press conference. "I could feel it, this guy was trying to hurt me the whole time and if I took my foot off the pedal for a second, he was on my ass. I really wanted to finish him, but I loved teaching him a lesson."
Gaethje's win makes him the first fighter in UFC history to hold an interim title twice, a remarkable achievement for a 37‑year‑old who many believed was past his prime. The victory also earned him his 10th Fight of the Night bonus, extending his own UFC record.
The $100,000 Lesson: Record Bonuses and Post‑Fight Fallout
UFC 324 will be remembered as the event where the promotion’s bonus structure entered a new stratosphere. Thanks to the Paramount partnership, Fight of the Night winners Gaethje and Pimblett each received $100,000 checks—the first six‑figure performance bonuses in UFC history. The massive payout reflects the UFC’s increased revenue under the new media deal and signals a potentially transformative shift in how fighters are rewarded for delivering memorable action.
"For the 10th time in his storied career, Gaethje captured the Fight of the Night award after scrapping with Paddy Pimblett over five rounds to close out Saturday’s show," reported MMA Fighting. "This was Pimblett’s first time receiving the award. Both fighters receive a $100,000 bonus check for their efforts, making them two of the first four fighters to enjoy the new six‑figure bonuses under the UFC’s Paramount partnership."
In addition to the main‑event windfall, UFC CEO Dana White announced that any fighter who wins by knockout or submission will now receive an automatic $25,000 bonus—a policy that immediately benefited Waldo Cortes‑Acosta and Nikita Krylov on the UFC 324 undercard.
Topuria's Tirade: Champion Blasts 'Little Sausage' Pimblett
Almost as soon as the final bell rang, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria took to social media to mock Pimblett and issue a chilling warning to Gaethje. Topuria, who has been out of action since winning the title from Charles Oliveira in June, labeled Pimblett a "little sausage" and suggested the Englishman squandered a life‑changing payday.
"Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38‑year‑old guy," Topuria tweeted. "You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won." Turning his attention to Gaethje, Topuria added, "Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what."
The comments set the stage for a highly anticipated unification bout later this year, likely in the summer. Topuria has teased a return as early as April, while Gaethje has expressed interest in competing on the UFC’s annual White House card in June.
Betting Scandal Forces Last‑Minute Fight Cancellation
UFC 324 wasn’t without controversy. Hours before the event began, the lightweight bout between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez was abruptly pulled from the card. At the post‑fight press conference, Dana White revealed that betting irregularities were the cause—a déjà‑vu scenario that mirrored a similar incident involving featherweight Isaac Dulgarian this past November.
"That’s what it is. Happened again," White confirmed. "We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this shit again. We pulled the fight."
White explained that the odds for Johnson‑Hernandez shifted dramatically just before the card, triggering alerts from sports‑betting monitors. The UFC had allowed Dulgarian’s fight to proceed despite similar warnings in November, only to see Dulgarian lose via first‑round submission after being heavily favored. The promotion subsequently released Dulgarian and notified the FBI.
"The FBI’s already deep into all this stuff anyway," White said. "I’m sure this one will be next." The incident underscores the growing scrutiny around gambling integrity in combat sports and raises questions about how the UFC will handle such situations moving forward.
Fighter Reactions: Praise and Criticism for UFC 324 Main Event
The MMA community offered sharply divided opinions on the Gaethje‑Pimblett showdown. Former interim champion Dustin Poirier, who has a contentious history with Pimblett, tweeted, "Welcome to the big leagues, Patrick! One up for the legends." Meanwhile, ex‑UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett delivered a scathing assessment, calling the fight "one of the worst UFC main events in a while."
"Two capable and dynamic finishers, fighting like a couple of newbies," Barnett wrote. "Such a terrible display, stretched over five awful rounds. This was match for the prelims."
Other fighters, however, praised the heart and durability both men displayed. Georges St‑Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team, and a host of active UFC competitors tweeted their admiration for the back‑and‑forth war. The polarized response highlights the subjective nature of fight evaluation—what some see as a sloppy brawl, others view as a testament to sheer will and endurance.
What's Next: Gaethje vs. Topuria Unification and Ongoing Investigations
The immediate future of the lightweight division is now clear: Justin Gaethje will face Ilia Topuria to unify the interim and undisputed titles, likely in mid‑2026. Gaethje’s victory positions him as the division’s top contender, while Topuria’s extended layoff—due in part to personal matters—makes the matchup a compelling clash of timing and momentum.
For Paddy Pimblett, the loss represents his first setback in the UFC, but Gaethje himself offered words of encouragement. "Stay in it. Stay on it," Gaethje told Pimblett after the fight. "You’re right where I was not too long ago." Pimblett’s stock remains high thanks to his undeniable toughness and fan‑friendly style, and a rebound fight against a ranked opponent could come as soon as this summer.
Behind the scenes, the FBI’s investigation into betting irregularities will continue, with the Johnson‑Hernandez cancellation adding another layer to an already complex probe. The UFC’s decision to pull the fight signals a stricter approach to gambling‑related red flags, a policy that could affect future event lineups.
Key Takeaways from UFC 324's Historic Night
UFC 324 will be remembered as a landmark event for several reasons: the debut of the Paramount era, the introduction of six‑figure fighter bonuses, and a main event that simultaneously crowned an interim champion and set the stage for a blockbuster unification bout. Justin Gaethje’s resilience and Paddy Pimblett’s heart provided the violent spectacle fans have come to expect, while the betting‑scandal cancellation served as a sobering reminder of the sport’s ongoing challenges.
As the UFC moves forward under its new media deal, the financial rewards for fighters appear poised to rise—a development that could reshape recruitment and retention in the sport. For now, the lightweight division has a clear path forward, with Gaethje vs. Topuria promising to be one of the most anticipated fights of 2026.
