Paddy Pimblett will combat Justin Gaethje for the interim light-weight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on 24 January.
The bout between Liverpool’s Pimblett and American Gaethje has been arrange after champion Ilia Topuria revealed he is not going to combat within the first quarter of 2026 due to a “tough second” in his private life.
Pimblett, 30, is fifth within the UFC’s light-weight rankings with 37-year-old Gaethje one place above him.
Topuria, who received the title after knocking out Charles Oliveira in July, added that the UFC will “make the match-ups wanted” in his absence.
“I will not be combating within the first quarter of subsequent 12 months. I am going by way of a tough second in my private life,” the Georgian-Spaniard wrote on X., external
“I need to give attention to my youngsters and resolve this case as quickly as potential.
“I do not need to maintain up the division. As quickly because the issues are resolved I am going to let the UFC know I am prepared to start my return.”
Pimblett final fought in April the place he stopped American Michael Chandler within the third spherical for his seventh-straight win within the UFC.
