Paddy Pimblett is set to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in a highly anticipated fight that will headline UFC 324 this Saturday night, January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This match marks the beginning of the UFC’s billion-dollar streaming partnership with Paramount+, generating significant buzz in the combat sports community. However, questions about Pimblett’s promotional efforts have arisen amid criticism over the fight’s legitimacy.
Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1-ranked lightweight contender, voiced his concerns on Instagram, suggesting that Pimblett’s pre-fight promotion has been lacking, stating, “Wake up fatass and get to work. It’s not a good look for the UFC.” This perspective highlights a broader debate within the MMA community regarding the fight’s appeal and significance.
Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown expressed a strong opinion on the matchup, labeling it as “garbage.” Brown believes that the fight should not serve as a main event title fight and should instead follow the outcomes of contenders like Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria. He noted, “This is a co-main event, No. 1 contender fight after Arman and Ilia fight. That’s what it should be.”
Brown’s comments emphasize the ongoing tension between the entertainment factor and competitive integrity within the UFC. He articulated a sentiment that resonates with many fans by drawing a distinction between entertainment battles and legitimate sports contests. “If it’s not as clear as day with this situation as it could ever be that UFC is entertainment and not sport, I don’t know what to tell you,” he remarked.
Despite the criticism surrounding the fight, Pimblett and Gaethje’s matchup is expected to draw significant interest, showcasing how the spectacle of mixed martial arts often takes precedence over the competitive rankings. As fans gear up for the event, the focus remains on whether the fight can live up to the hype amidst the differing opinions on its validity as a title contender contest.