Michael Chandler thinks Justin Gaethje has what it takes to overcome Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 and even go on to become the undisputed champion later this year.
Gaethje (24-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) are set to go head-to-head for the UFC interim lightweight title in the main event in the first UFC event of 2026 on January 24 while the division’s undisputed titleholder Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) takes a leave of absence to deal with legal issues surrounding his divorce.
Former Bellator champion Chandler (23-10 MMA, 2-5 UFC) who has lost to both men inside the Octagon, is leaning toward “The Highlight” to become the first man to defeat Pimblett inside the Octagon, and is also backing his former rival to unify the titles by beating Topuria later in 2026.
“More skilled, more experienced…overall, the better fighter is Justin Gaethje,” Chandler told Brett Okamoto of ESPN. “That said, I’ve gone on record saying that Paddy Pimblett is better than a lot of people think he is. Because of his haircut, the way he talks, and his strength of schedule, people don’t give him much credit.
“When I fought him in April in Miami, I’m not going to say I was surprised, because I was expecting the best version of Paddy, but he’s better than many people give him credit for. He’s got a long reach, good kicks, and he’s pretty patient and composed in there.
“That said, Gaethje is a whole different animal. So if I had to bet (which I can’t), but if I had to lean one way, I’d go with Justin Gaethje as interim champion. And then he beats Ilia Topuria later on this year.”
