Gaethje Wins Interim Lightweight Title, O’Malley Returns, Cortes‑Acosta Dominates at UFC 324

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Gaethje Claims Interim Lightweight title in Thrilling UFC 324 Main Event

Las Vegas, Nevada – Justin Gaethje secured the interim UFC Lightweight championship at UFC 324 on January 25, 2026, defeating Paddy Pimblett in a hard-fought, unanimous decision victory. The event, held at the T-Mobile Arena, showcased a night of compelling action, setting the stage for an intriguing year in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A Title Opportunity Born of Circumstance

The need for an interim champion arose due to current lightweight titleholder Ilia Topuria’s temporary leave of absence to address personal issues. Topuria, who won the championship last June, paved the way for Gaethje and Pimblett to battle for the interim belt, adding an unexpected twist to the division’s landscape.

Gaethje outlasts Pimblett in a Striking Duel

Pimblett, primarily known for his submission skills, demonstrated his developing striking prowess, even after weathering an early storm from Gaethje. The majority of the 25-minute contest unfolded as a compelling stand-up battle. Gaethje landed a record number of critically important strikes, consistently testing Pimblett’s resilience.

The fight wasn’t without controversy. A brief pause occurred in the first round due to an accidental eye poke from Gaethje, and Pimblett experienced a cut in the second. Despite these interruptions

What were the main results of UFC 324?

Gaethje Wins Interim Lightweight Title, O’Malley Returns, cortes‑Acosta Dominates at UFC 324

Justin Gaethje Claims Interim Lightweight Championship

Justin Gaethje secured the interim Lightweight championship at UFC 324, defeating Arman Tsarukyan in a thrilling five-round war. The victory, a split decision, marks a notable turning point in the 155lb division, especially considering the ongoing situation with current champion islam Makhachev.

The fight was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing Gaethje’s signature striking power and Tsarukyan’s relentless grappling. While Tsarukyan controlled significant portions of the fight with takedowns and top control, Gaethje’s damage on the feet proved crucial in swaying the judges.Many analysts believed Gaethje needed a finish, but his consistent pressure and powerful combinations were enough to earn him the interim title.

This win immediately sets up a potential title unification bout against Makhachev. However, Gaethje has been vocal about his desire to face other contenders, notably Ilia Topuria, who holds a recent victory over Makhachev. As noted in recent forum discussions (Sherdog, January 2026), some fans believe Gaethje should avoid fights like a potential matchup with Paddy Pimblett, arguing that Pimblett isn’t ready for a title prospect and could be a “rank squatter.”

Sean O’Malley’s Successful Bantamweight Defense

In a highly anticipated return, Sean O’Malley successfully defended his Bantamweight title against Marlon Vera.O’Malley showcased his striking prowess,utilizing his signature distance management and precise counter-striking to frustrate Vera throughout the fight.

The victory wasn’t without controversy, as a late-fight eye poke briefly halted the action. Though, the ringside doctor deemed Vera fit to continue, and O’Malley ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory. This win solidifies O’malley’s position as one of the most popular and dynamic fighters in the UFC.

O’Malley’s post-fight interview hinted at potential future matchups, including a possible super fight against a champion from another division. His marketability and exciting fighting style continue to draw significant attention to the Bantamweight division.

Roberto Cortes‑Acosta’s breakout performance

Roberto Cortes‑Acosta delivered a stunning performance, dominating his opponent, Billy Quarantillo, in the Featherweight division. Cortes‑Acosta showcased a well-rounded skillset,effectively combining striking and grappling to secure a unanimous decision victory.

This win marks a significant step forward in Cortes‑Acosta’s career, establishing him as a legitimate contender in the 145lb weight class. His aggressive style and relentless pressure proved too much for Quarantillo, who struggled to find answers to Cortes‑Acosta’s diverse attack.

* Key Stats from the Fight: Cortes‑Acosta landed 65% of his significant strikes, compared to Quarantillo’s 32%. He also secured three takedowns, controlling the grappling exchanges.

* Future Outlook: Experts predict Cortes‑acosta will be matched against a top-10 ranked Featherweight in his next bout, perhaps setting him up for a title eliminator.

UFC 324: Notable Undercard Results

Beyond the main event and title fights, UFC 324 featured several compelling undercard matchups:

1. Lightweight: Mateusz Rebecki defeated Rafael alves via submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round.
2. Women’s Flyweight: Iasmin lucindo secured a split decision victory over Melissa Vargas.
3. Middleweight: Bo Nickal continued his impressive run, finishing Gregory Rodrigues in the first round via ground and pound.

These fights highlighted the depth of talent within the UFC and provided exciting action for fans. The performances of Rebecki and Nickal, in particular, have generated significant buzz within the MMA community.

Impact on Division Rankings

The results of UFC 324 have caused a ripple effect throughout the divisional rankings. Gaethje’s interim title win has shaken up the Lightweight landscape, while Cortes‑Acosta’s victory has propelled him into the top 15 of the Featherweight division. O’Malley’s win maintains his dominance at Bantamweight.

* Lightweight: Arman Tsarukyan’s ranking is expected to drop slightly, while Ilia Topuria’s stock continues to rise.

* Featherweight: Cortes‑Acosta’s ascent will likely displace several fighters in the rankings, creating new opportunities for contenders.

* Bantamweight: Marlon Vera’s ranking will likely remain stable despite the loss, given his previous accomplishments in the division.