Old Rival Says Justin Gaethje Totally Deserving of Interim Title Fight Against Paddy Pimblett

Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez talks about Justin Gaethje fighting Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.

Old Rival Says Justin Gaethje Totally Deserving of Interim Title Fight Against Paddy Pimblett

Eddie Alvarez talks about old rival Justin Gaethje ahead of Paddy Pimblett fight (via X)

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Dana White announced the first Paramount+ card headlined by Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett competing for the UFC interim lightweight championship. This matchup was created after Ilia Topuria decided to take a break, leaving the division temporarily without an active defending champion.

However, the decision to give Gaethje this major opportunity was not welcomed by many fans who questioned its fairness. The lightweight division remains stacked with elite contenders, and Justin Gaethje currently holds the number 4 ranking within the division.

Many believed Arman Tsarukyan should have received the opportunity instead, given his strong performances and momentum. Following the debate, former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez shared his viewpoint and openly supported Justin Gaethje being granted this opportunity.

I think Justin Gaethje deserves everything he gets. For Justin Gaethje to get any kind of title shot, of anyone in that division who put their time in (it’s him). Look at the list of who Justin Gaethje has fought and didn’t blink an eye. Literally the who’s who. How are you ever going to tell that guy, regardless of record or whatever, that he doesn’t deserve something?

Eddie Alvarez via MMA Junkie 

Justin Gaethje and Alvarez previously fought in an unforgettable war that showcased their relentless toughness and uncompromising pressure styles. The intense lightweight battle occurred at UFC 218 in Detroit, where both fighters delivered nonstop action and absorbed tremendous punishment. Ultimately, Alvarez defeated Gaethje with a brutal third-round knockout after absorbing much damage.

This was one of the many wars that Gaethje has been part of, which makes him a true fan favorite.  Gaethje has competed for the undisputed title twice, suffering losses against legendary champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira during attempts. In his last bout, ‘The Highlight’ engaged in a brutal war with Rafael Fiziev and requested that the UFC grant him a title shot.

He threatened the UFC with retirement if the promotion refused to grant him the next championship opportunity he strongly demanded. As expected, Arman Tsarukyan expressed disappointment with the decision but still offered to assist Gaethje in preparing for Pimblett. According to Tsarukyan, the UFC is protecting champion Ilia Topuria from him while simultaneously attempting to promote Pimblett further.

Despite the controversy, fans remain curious about Gaethje’s chances of securing a second interim championship in the lightweight division. Ultimately, the question remains whether Gaethje can convert this opportunity into future undisputed glory and finally achieve his long-awaited championship aspirations.

UFC veteran predicts Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett 

The hype surrounding Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett continues growing rapidly as fans anticipate another major clash. Their matchup represents a classic striker-versus-grappler dynamic, with Gaethje’s violent pressure contrasting sharply against Pimblett’s slick grappling and dangerous submissions. Pimblett has already defeated veteran strikers like Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green and showcased improving stand-up skills.

Justin Gaethje is fighting Rafael Fiziev
Justin Gaethje is fighting Rafael Fiziev (via X)

These victories reinforced Pimblett’s growing confidence, helping him emerge as a genuine contender capable of challenging established names within the lightweight division. Tony Ferguson, who has fought both Pimblett and Gaethje, shared his prediction and surprisingly leaned toward Pimblett emerging victorious.

Only because Justin doesn’t want another interim belt… Paddy’s not bad, dude. He’s very beatable, and Gaethje is very beatable as well, but when it comes to the passion, man, how exciting Justin Gaethje has always been about not getting that real title shot — they just keep dangling it right there.

Tony Ferguson via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Pimblett is undefeated in UFC and wants to carry that momentum and beat Justin Gaethje and then win the Interim championship. The British fighter then wants to challenge Ilia Topuria later in 2026 and become the next champion. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how things work out in the future.

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