Only a slim margin separated the two headliners at UFC 324.
This Saturday, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will lead UFC 324, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the promotion as they battle for the newly introduced interim lightweight championship on Paramount+. The winner is anticipated to face the reigning champion Ilya Topuria, who will take a break starting early 2026 to focus on personal matters.
Known as “The Buddy,” Pimblett enters the Octagon as the favorite according to betting odds, but the question remains—do fans share the same outlook?
With more than 2,000 Bloody Elbow readers casting their votes, the fan poll results are in.
Paddy Pimblett Clinches Narrow Victory in UFC 324 Fan Poll
As part of Bloody Elbow’s TalkingPoints, MMA supporters were invited to predict who will claim the interim UFC lightweight title at Saturday’s event. Out of 2,133 participants, just 119 votes separated the two fighters, with Pimblett edging out Gaethje by a narrow 5 percentage points. Ultimately, Pimblett secured 52.79% of the votes.
| UFC 324 Headliner | Fan Vote Percentage |
|---|---|
| Paddy Pimblett | 52.79% (1,126 votes) |
| Justin Gaethje | 47.21% (1,007 votes) |
The main event in Las Vegas promises an exciting and unpredictable fight, reflecting how fans remain divided over who will walk away with the interim belt.
Predict the Winner of UFC 325 Headliner: Volkanovski vs. Lopez
Fans now have the opportunity to participate in another Bloody Elbow poll, this time voting on the outcome of the UFC 325 main event set for January 31st. Following UFC 324, the MMA world’s spotlight will turn to Australia, where Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopez will settle their controversial rivalry at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena for the featherweight championship.
Who do you think will come out on top in this highly anticipated rematch?
Alongside these stars, Dan Hooker, Tai Tuivasa, and Rafael Fiziev are expected to make their return as UFC continues to bring high-profile matchups Down Under.
Fan Take: This close fan vote highlights the intense interest and competitive spirit within the lightweight division, underlining the significance of UFC 324’s interim title fight in shaping future matchups. For fight fans, such closely contested events fuel excitement and could redefine the lightweight landscape, signaling thrilling developments for the sport in 2026.
