LAS VEGAS – With Ilia Topuria taking an MMA hiatus, the UFC will crown an interim champion at lightweight next month when Justin Gaethje takes on Paddy Pimblett.The 155-pound contenders clash in the UFC 324 main event Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena and will mark the promotion’s inaugural fight card on Paramount+ after parting ways with ESPN and moving off traditional pay-per-view.Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) was holding out for a title fight after his UFC 313 rematch win over Rafael Fiziev in March, and though it won’t be for an undisputed belt, he will get his wish and can become the first fighter in UFC history to claim interim gold on two separate occasions.Justin Gaethje hit a backflip to end his first #UFC324 interim title faceoff with Paddy Pimblett. pic.twitter.com/T6VL3Wd56C— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 6, 2025Looking to stop him from doing so will be Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who gets his first opportunity at a belt following a TKO finish of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April. “The Baddy” was angling for a grudge match against Topuria, but instead will have to get through Gaethje first.Check out the video above to see Gaethje and Pimblett face off for UFC 324.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 324 video: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett first faceoff