Safford native Justin Gaethje surprised the fight favorite Paddy Pimblett in Las Vegas to become the first two-time interim champion on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the main event of the UFC 324 card.
Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) dominated Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) throughout, and the judges agreed.
Justin Gaethje, left, connects with a punch on Paddy Pimblett in an interim lightweight title fight during the UFC 324 MMA event Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Las Vegas.
Gaethje won the interim lightweight title by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) and could fight in a 155-pound unification bout with Ilia Topuria this year.
In an old-school brawl over five rounds, Gaethtje punished Pimblett, knocking him to the canvas several times.
The 37-year-old Gaethje, who took down Pimblett three times in Round 2, went to Safford High and Northern Colorado University.
Justin Gaethje leaves the Octagon after defeating Paddy Pimblett in an interim lightweight title fight during the UFC 324 MMA event Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Las Vegas.
The state of Arizona fared well in Las Vegas, with Phoenix fighter Sean O'Malley (19-3) taking down China's Song Yadong in the co-main event by unanimous decision.
