Paddy Pimblett says he plans to send Justin Gaethje into retirement after their fight.
Pimblett is slated to take on Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in the UFC 324 main event this Saturday, January 24, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Paddy is riding a seven-fight unbeaten streak in the Octagon and comes into the bout following a commanding third-round knockout of former title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025.
The 31-year-old Englishman has built his rise by defeating veterans such as Tony Ferguson and King Green, fighters already nearing the twilight of their careers, and now he believes he’s ready to do the same to Gaethje, pushing him to hang up the gloves for good after their showdown this weekend.
Paddy Pimblett Mixes Praise And Prediction Ahead Of Justin Gaethje Showdown At UFC 324
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Paddy Pimblett spoke about his upcoming clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, confidently declaring that he plans to finish him in emphatic fashion and bring an end to the former two-time UFC lightweight title challenger’s career after their fight.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I’m going to be the one to retire you,” Pimblett said. “If someone would have said that five years ago that Paddy Pimblett is going to retire Justin Gaethje, he would have scoffed at you. But that’s what’s going to happen.”
However, “The Baddy” also made it clear that Gaethje remains one of his favorite fighters, adding that he hopes the veteran continues competing even after a possible loss at UFC 324 and eventually gets the chance to face his new rival, Dan Hooker.
I hope he doesn’t retire. I love watching Justin Gaethje fight. He’s one of my favorite fighters to watch. I’d still love to see him punch Dan Hooker’s head in. I think that would be hilarious. Hopefully that fight ends up happening and he doesn’t retire.”
Interestingly, “The Highlight” has already spoken openly about stepping away from active competition in 2027 to devote more time to his family and life beyond the Octagon. Gaethje currently owns a 9-5 record in the UFC and enters the bout riding a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March 2025.
