Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett headlines UFC | MMA News
An interim light-weight title bout headlines the UFC’s first broadcast under the new media rights settlement with Paramount on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Former title challenger and No. 4 ranked contender Justin Gaethje takes on No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett with the interim strap on the road.
UFC CEO Dana White made the announcement during Thursday’s CBS broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs NFL recreation. Earlier in the day, light-weight champion Ilia Topuria revealed that he’ll not be competing in the first quarter of 2026.
“I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible,” Topuria wrote on X.
“I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”
Related: Arman Tsarukyan: ‘Ilia Topuria would not need to combat me,’ and Paddy Pimblett ‘sucks’
Gaethje (26-5) will enter the combat coming off a choice win over Rafael Fiziev. The former interim titleholder had beforehand acknowledged that he’d retire if he did not get a title shot. He bought what he needed with a combat for the undisputed championship ready if he will get past Pimblett.
Pimblett (23-3) will stand across the octagon from Gaethje driving a nine-fight successful steak. It was September 2018 when “The Baddy” was last handed a loss.
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