 |
| Image Source :: Chris Unger via Getty Images |
Date: January 25, 2026
Event: UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was shaking to its foundations tonight. In one of the most anticipated cards of the year, UFC 324 delivered violence, drama, and clarity to the top of the lightweight division. Fans searching for UFC tonight results witnessed the resurrection of "The Highlight" and the definitive testing of a superstar.
In the main event, Justin Gaethje secured the interim lightweight championship, defeating Paddy Pimblett via a grueling unanimous decision. The co-main event saw Sean O’Malley return to the win column with a technical masterclass against Song Yadong.
Here is your complete breakdown of who won UFC tonight, the fight-by-fight analysis, and what this means for the future of the 155-pound division.
 |
| UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett - Winner & Highlights |
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
Winner: Justin Gaethje (Unanimous Decision: 48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
The question on everyone's lips was, "Did Paddy win?" The answer is no, but his stock may have risen in defeat.
Justin Gaethje, fighting out of Safford, Arizona, entered the octagon looking to reclaim gold. Known for his "car crash" style, Gaethje did not disappoint. From the opening bell, he unleashed a torrent of leg kicks and heavy hooks that seemed destined to end the night early.
Fight Breakdown
Round 1: Gaethje stormed out, hurting Pimblett within the first two minutes with a signature left hook. Pimblett’s chin was tested immediately, but the Liverpool native weathered the storm, clinching to survive.
Rounds 2-3: The "Baddy" found his rhythm, using his reach to land stinging jabs. However, Gaethje’s pressure was relentless. He forced Pimblett into "gruesome exchanges," damaging the Brit's lead leg.
Championship Rounds: This is where the fight became an instant classic. Bloodied and battered, Pimblett refused to go away, firing back and rocking Gaethje late in the fourth. But the veteran experience of Gaethje shone through in the fifth, as he controlled the center and poured on volume to seal the victory.
The judges scored it for Gaethje, crowning him the interim lightweight champion UFC. He now holds the golden ticket to unify the belt against the incumbent champion, Ilia Topuria, later this year.
Co-Main Event: Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong
Winner: Sean O'Malley (Unanimous Decision: 29-28 x3)
In the bantamweight division, "Suga" Sean O'Malley reminded the world why he is an elite striker. Facing a dangerous puncher in Song Yadong, O'Malley used his footwork and sniping ability to control the distance.
While Song had moments of success in the second round, landing heavy shots to the body, O'Malley’s precision in the third round secured the win. This was O'Malley's first victory since his title defense against Marlon Vera at UFC 299, putting him right back in the mix for a title shot.
Sean O'Malley Walkout Song: O'Malley walked out to his anthem "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco, setting the tone for a performance that was equal parts flash and substance.
UFC 324 Main Card Results & Highlights
Beyond the headliners, the UFC fight tonight results featured knockouts and tactical wars.
Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
Winner: Waldo Cortes Acosta (TKO, Round 2) In a shocker for the heavyweight division, Waldo Cortes Acosta finished the legendary "Black Beast." After a slow first round, Lewis slipped while attempting a blitz in the second. Cortes Acosta wasted no time, swarming Lewis on the ground and forcing the referee to step in at 3:14 of Round 2.
Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas
Winner: Natalia Silva (Unanimous Decision) In a high-stakes flyweight bout, Natalia Silva edged out former champion Rose Namajunas. The fight was a technical chess match, but Silva’s volume and aggression in the third round swayed the judges. Silva extends her winning streak and moves closer to a title shot.
Jean Silva vs. Arnold Allen
Winner: Jean Silva (Unanimous Decision) Kicking off the main card, Jean Silva defeated Arnold Allen in a featherweight scrap. Silva’s dynamic striking and ability to mix in grappling kept Allen guessing for 15 minutes.
Analysis: The Future of the Lightweight Division
With the UFC results tonight, the landscape of the lightweight UFC rankings has shifted dramatically.
What's Next for Justin Gaethje?
Gaethje is now the interim champion. His next fight is all but guaranteed to be a unification bout against Ilia Topuria, the current undisputed king who has been tearing through divisions. Gaethje's wrestling background—he was an All-American at the University of Northern Colorado—may be the key to solving the Topuria puzzle.
What's Next for Paddy Pimblett?
Did Paddy win tonight? No. But he proved he belongs in the cage with the elite. Surviving five rounds with arguably the hardest hitter in the division answers many questions about his durability. A matchup against a striker like Dan Hooker or a grappler like Beneil Dariush could be next for the UFC Paddy Pimblett journey.
Fighter Profiles: Net Worth & Backgrounds
Fans are often curious about the lives of these modern gladiators. Here is a look at the stars of UFC 324.
Justin Gaethje
Net Worth: Estimated at $5–6 Million (2026).
Origin: Safford, Arizona.
Walkout Song: Gaethje is known for unpredictable music choices, often using tracks like "Call Me Human" or high-energy anthems that match his chaotic style.
Status: Interim Lightweight Champion.
Paddy Pimblett
Net Worth: Estimated at $4 Million (2026).
Weight: Competes at 155 lbs (Lightweight).
Record: The loss to Gaethje is a setback, but his Paddy Pimblett UFC record remains impressive, having won his first seven UFC bouts before this title challenge.
Sean O'Malley
Status: Top Bantamweight Contender.
Style: Elite Striker.
Walkout: "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won UFC tonight? Justin Gaethje won the main event at UFC 324, defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to become the interim lightweight champion. Sean O'Malley won the co-main event against Song Yadong.
2. Did Paddy win the fight tonight? No, Paddy Pimblett lost to Justin Gaethje. However, he survived all five rounds in a competitive fight that earned "Fight of the Night" honors.
3. What is the Justin Gaethje walkout song? Justin Gaethje's walkout music varies, but he has famously used "Call Me Human" by Skip Marley and "Celebrate" by Dirty Heads. He often chooses songs that reflect his high-energy, violent fighting style.
4. Who is the current Lightweight UFC Champion? As of early 2026, Ilia Topuria is the incumbent undisputed champion. Justin Gaethje now holds the interim belt, setting up a unification fight between the two.
5. What is Paddy Pimblett's net worth? Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million in 2026, accrued through fight purses, performance bonuses, and his massive social media following/sponsorship deals.
6. Where is Justin Gaethje from? Justin Gaethje is from Safford, Arizona. He began his combat sports career there as a wrestler, eventually becoming an NCAA Division I All-American before transitioning to MMA.
7. Who won the fight between Waldo Cortes Acosta and Derrick Lewis? Waldo Cortes Acosta won via TKO in the second round after Derrick Lewis slipped and was unable to recover from the subsequent ground-and-pound.
References
UFC.com Results: UFC 324 Results: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
ESPN MMA: UFC 324 Fight Card Analysis
Yahoo Sports: UFC 324 Live Results
Celebrity Net Worth: Justin Gaethje & Paddy Pimblett Financial Estimates (2026 Data).
0 Comments