If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the Scouser with the bowl cut everywhere. It’s hard to miss him. Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett has gone from a polarising prospect to a legitimate title contender in what feels like the blink of an eye. Honestly, it's wild how fast things move in the UFC. One minute you're eating wings and gaining 40 pounds between camps, and the next, you're headlining a massive card in Las Vegas for a piece of the lightweight throne.
So, let's get right to the point. When does Paddy Pimblett fight?
Paddy Pimblett is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This isn't just a regular three-round scrap to see who moves up the rankings. It’s the main event of UFC 324, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Even bigger? They are fighting for the UFC Interim Lightweight Championship.
Why the Wait for UFC 324?
You might be wondering why there’s an interim belt on the line. After all, Ilia Topuria is the reigning king of the division. Well, Topuria basically threw a wrench in the works when he announced he’d be sitting out the first quarter of 2026 for personal reasons. He’s fresh off a court battle and needs some time.
The UFC doesn't like to wait.
Dana White and the matchmakers decided to keep the division moving by pitting the most violent man in the sport, Gaethje, against the most talked-about man in the sport, Pimblett. It’s a genius move for the UFC's debut on Paramount+. This is the first-ever card on the new platform, and they needed a massive hook. Paddy is that hook.
The Stakes are Massive
This fight is essentially a semi-final. The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett is widely expected to face Ilia Topuria later in 2026 to unify the belts.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
- The Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
- The Date: January 24, 2026.
- The Prize: The Interim 155-lb Title.
- The Broadcast: Streaming live on Paramount+ (no PPV fee for subscribers!).
When Does Paddy Pimblett Fight and What Time?
Since it's in Vegas, the timing is pretty standard for a major numbered event. If you're watching in the States, it’s a late night. If you’re a fan back in Liverpool, you're looking at a very early morning with a lot of coffee.
The Main Card starts at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT.
Since Paddy is the headliner, he likely won't make that famous walk to the Octagon until around Midnight ET / 9 PM PT. Of course, that depends on how long the undercard fights go. If Derrick Lewis (who is also on this card) gets another quick knockout, things might move faster.
For the UK fans, set your alarms for 5 AM GMT on Sunday morning. It’s a sacrifice, but seeing "The Baddy" fight for a world title is something most people didn't think would happen three years ago.
Is Paddy Actually Ready for Justin Gaethje?
This is where the debate gets heated. If you look at the odds, Paddy is actually a slight favourite on most sportsbooks right now. That’s kind of crazy when you think about who Justin Gaethje is. Gaethje is a "human highlight reel" for a reason. He’s got leg kicks that feel like baseball bats and a chin that—mostly—holds up under fire.
But Paddy has been on a tear. He's 7-0 in the UFC. His last win was a massive statement, knocking out Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025. People used to say Paddy was just a grappler with "lucky" striking. After the Chandler fight, that narrative shifted. He showed he can stick to a disciplined game plan and find the finish on the feet.
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
The Viral Shadow Boxing Drama
Just this week, a video of Paddy shadow boxing at the UFC PI went viral. People were tearing him apart in the comments, saying he looks slow or "unprofessional."
Don't buy into that.
Paddy has always looked a bit "loopy" in his training footage. It’s his style. He’s a guy who thrives on being underestimated. Even Alexander Volkanovski recently came out and said he’s leaning toward Paddy in this fight. Volkanovski pointed out that Paddy’s ability to follow a strategic plan has improved immensely. Against Gaethje, if you don't have a plan, you leave on a stretcher.
What to Expect on Fight Night
The clash of styles here is fascinating. You have Gaethje, who wants to stand in the centre of the cage and trade leather until someone stops breathing. Then you have Paddy, who has a world-class ground game (10 submission wins) but has recently found a lot of power in his hands.
Paddy has been vocal about "keeping it on the feet" to prove a point. Honestly? That might be a mistake. His best path to the belt is likely taking Gaethje down and using that slick BJJ. But Paddy loves the crowd. He loves the "brawl." If he gets sucked into a slugfest with Gaethje, it’s a coin flip.
The Full UFC 324 Main Card (So Far)
- Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje (Interim Lightweight Title)
- Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis (Heavyweight)
- Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas (Women’s Flyweight)
- Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight)
How to Watch the Fight
Because of the new broadcast deal, you won't be heading to the usual PPV providers in the U.S.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
You need a Paramount+ subscription.
The UFC signed a massive $7.7 billion deal, and UFC 324 is the grand opening. This is a huge shift for the sport. No more dropping $80 on a single Saturday night. If you have the app, you have the fight.
Final Thoughts on the Return of "The Baddy"
Paddy Pimblett has a chance to change his life forever on January 24. A win doesn't just give him a belt; it sets up a massive grudge match with Ilia Topuria that could easily be the biggest fight in European MMA history.
He’s handled the pressure before. He’s beaten the vets like Tony Ferguson and King Green. He’s silenced the doubters who said he’d never break the top ten. Now, the only thing standing between him and UFC gold is a man who loves violence more than anyone else in the world.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your Paramount+ login: Make sure your subscription is active before the prelims start on Saturday night.
- Track the weigh-ins: Paddy is known for massive weight cuts. Watch the Friday morning weigh-ins to see how he looks on the scales; he usually cuts around 40 pounds to hit the 155 limit.
- Watch the UFC 324 Embedded series: The UFC usually starts dropping these behind-the-scenes vlogs on the Monday of fight week. It’s the best way to see how Paddy’s camp at Next Generation Liverpool actually went.
The walkouts for the main event should start around 11:45 PM ET. Don't be late. This one isn't going to the judges' scorecards.