Justin Gaethje Makes History by Achieving Unprecedented Feat with Victory at UFC 324; Understand

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J. Gaethje with the interim lightweight title. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

One of the most exciting fighters in the history of MMA, Justin Gaethje wrote another important chapter in his career by defeating Paddy Pimblett and becoming the new interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg). Beyond the possibility of unifying the titles with Ilia Topuria in a highly anticipated duel, the result of UFC 324 made Gaethje the first fighter in the company's history to win the interim belt twice.

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Signed by the UFC in 2017 as a former 'World Series of Fighting' champion, Gaethje quickly rose to the top of the world's largest MMA organization due to his aggressive and daring style. Years later, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he became the interim champion for the first time in 2020 by knocking out Tony Ferguson and ending 'El Cucuy's' winning streak.

Plenty to smile about 😄 @Justin_Gaethje looks good in gold! 🏆

[ #UFC324 ] pic.twitter.com/FbiYfHvNA8

— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026

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Subsequently, El Matador faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 , attempting to unify the title. Despite landing some good strikes and posing a threat to Nurmagomedov, Gaethje was taken down and submitted with a triangle choke in the second round. Now, he is expected to have the same opportunity against Ilia Topuria . El Matador is currently on hiatus from his career due to divorce proceedings.

In addition to his feat achieved last weekend, the American also won the BMF belt at UFC 291. The fighter knocked out Dustin Poirier with a head kick in the second round.