Dana White makes shock announcement as he confirms huge title fight at UFC 324 in Las Vegas

Dana White has revealed that Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett in a fight for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24th. 

The UFC chief announced the news during half-time of the Chiefs-Cowboys' Thanksgiving game on CBS - revealing the immense card that will take place. 

Along with lightweight stars Pimblett and Gaethje, UFC legend Amanda Nunes will make her highly-anticipated return for a title fight against Kayla Harrison. Sean O'Malley will also feature on the main card, where he will take on Song Yadong.

The stacked card will be the first major UFC event of 2026, which will be the first of 13 numbered events set to be broadcast on Paramount+ as part of a new deal.

The announcement comes just hours after lightweight champion Ilia Topuria revealed that he will be taking some time away from the sport to focus on a family matter.

Topuria had been tipped for a fight with either Gaethje or Pimblett - who are both contenders in the lightweight division - before making his announcement. 

Now, 'The Highlight' and 'The Baddy' will share the octagon in Las Vegas in a battle to claim the interim title and set up a fight with Topuria later down the line. 

Pimblett's future had been heavily discussed by UFC fans in recent months, with many keen to see the Liverpudlian back in the octagon - having last fought in April.

Pimblett made it clear that he was keen to fight rival Topuria - with whom he has clashed with outside the cage on numerous occasions - but that will have to wait. 

Pimblett has not stepped foot inside the cage since his dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler, while Gaethje has not fought since beating Rafael Fiziev in March.

While Gaethje is certainly a fan favorite, the hype behind him arguably isn't as big as it is for Pimblett, given the American's brutal KO loss to Max Holloway in April 2024. 

More to follow...