An interim lightweight title bout headlines the UFC’s first broadcast under the new media rights agreement with Paramount on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Former title challenger and No. 4 ranked contender Justin Gaethje takes on No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett with the interim strap on the line.
UFC CEO Dana White made the announcement during Thursday’s CBS broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs NFL game. Earlier in the day, lightweight champion Ilia Topuria revealed that he will not be competing in the first quarter of 2026.
“I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible,” Topuria wrote on X.
“I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”
Related: Arman Tsarukyan: ‘Ilia Topuria doesn’t want to fight me,’ and Paddy Pimblett ‘sucks’
Gaethje (26-5) will enter the fight coming off a decision win over Rafael Fiziev. The former interim titleholder had previously stated that he’d retire if he didn’t get a title shot. He got what he wanted with a fight for the undisputed championship waiting if he gets past Pimblett.
Pimblett (23-3) will stand across the octagon from Gaethje riding a nine-fight winning steak. It was September 2018 when “The Baddy” was last handed a loss.