Justin Gaethje has warned Paddy Pimblett that he is ready to “teach him some lessons” when the two lightweights collide in Las Vegas on Saturday night for the interim UFC lightweight title.

The 37-year-old Gaethje, an eight-year UFC veteran and former interim lightweight champion, acknowledges he is the underdog against the 31-year-old Liverpool fighter, who has quickly become a fan favorite with seven fights in the promotion.

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Gaethje Embraces the Underdog Role

Speaking to BBC Sport, Gaethje said he thrives under pressure and sees this fight as a chance to challenge Pimblett’s confidence.

“I hope he’s overconfident in himself, just like I was when I was 30 years old, so I can teach him some lessons,” Gaethje said.

“This is 25 minutes in time. Nothing from the past, nothing from the future can determine it. It’s about being perfect. Who makes mistakes? Who doesn’t make mistakes? Who’s more prepared?

“I want to take Paddy into the fourth, fifth round. Really hurt him, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Gaethje has been in some of the UFC’s most brutal bouts, and he believes experience will be key in overcoming Pimblett’s unorthodox style.

“He’s weird. But in a good way. He goes left when you’re supposed to go right. These are things I’m going to have to figure out early,” he added.

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Pimblett Confident of Finishing Gaethje

Pimblett, known for his flair and psychological games in the octagon, remains highly confident heading into UFC 324.

“I expect to finish Gaethje within three rounds,” Pimblett said, describing the American as “a boxer with leg kicks.”

The British fighter’s style, which combines striking creativity with grappling ability, is designed to frustrate opponents and force mistakes — something Gaethje is aware of and ready to exploit.

“The more I hear him talk, the more I want to hurt him,” Gaethje said.
“Great grappling, terrible wrestler. So we’ll see if he can take me down.”

When pressed for a prediction, Gaethje was blunt:

“I envision Pimblett asleep. I just have to turn his lights off for one second.”

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UFC 324: Fight Card and UK Broadcast Times

Live text commentary will begin at 03:00 GMT on the BBC Sport website and app, with the main card starting at 02:00 GMT on Sunday, 25 January.

Main card:

• Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Interim Lightweight Title (5×5 min rounds)
• Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong – Bantamweight (3×5 min rounds)
• Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis – Heavyweight
• Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas – Flyweight
• Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva – Featherweight

Preliminary card (00:00 GMT):

• Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo – Bantamweight
• Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas – Light-Heavyweight
• Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev – Middleweight