UFC chief Dana White has revealed that Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett in a fight for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24th.
The UFC chief announced the news during half-time of the Chiefs-Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game on ESPN – revealing the immense card that will take place.
Along with lightweight stars Pimblett and Gaethje, the likes of Kayla Harrison, Amanda Nunes and Sean O’Malley will also feature on the stacked card in Las Vegas.
The announcement comes just hours after lightweight champion Ilia Topuria revealed that he will be taking some time away from the sport to focus on a family matter.
Topuria had been tipped for a fight with either Gaethje or Pimblett – who are both contenders in the lightweight division – before making his announcement.
Now, ‘The Highlight’ and ‘The Baddy’ will share the octagon in Las Vegas in a battle to claim the interim title and set up a fight with Topuria later down the line.
Pimblett’s future had been heavily discussed by UFC fans in recent months, with many keen to see the Liverpudlian back in the octagon – having last fought in April.
Pimblett made it clear that he was keen to fight rival Topuria – with whom he has clashed with outside the cage on numerous occasions – but that will have to wait.
More to follow…
