UFC CEO Dana White gave fight fans a lot to be thankful for today when he went live on Instagram to announce the first slate of fights for 2026, featuring some truly incredible matchups that point to a blockbuster year ahead.
Both Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett have made no secret of their desire to be the next to face lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, and on January 24 at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, they’ll square off against one another for exactly that distinction. UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett will be a battle for the interim lightweight belt and ultimately determine the next man to face Topuria.