Former UFC title challenger Michael Chandler has thrown his expert opinion into the heated discussion surrounding the upcoming interim lightweight championship clash at UFC 324. In a candid interview with ESPN MMA, Chandler provided a detailed analysis of the fighters, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who are set to collide on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Chandler's Breakdown: Skill vs. Underestimation
Michael Chandler, a seasoned veteran and former Bellator champion, did not mince words when assessing the high-stakes matchup. He clearly stated that Justin Gaethje holds the advantage heading into the fight. Chandler cited Gaethje's superior skill set, extensive experience, and overall prowess as the key factors.
"More skilled, more experienced, I think the better fighter all around is Justin Gaethje," Chandler affirmed. However, he was quick to issue a stern warning to fans and pundits who might be writing off the Liverpool native. Chandler argued that Paddy Pimblett is often judged by his flamboyant personality, hairstyle, and social media presence, rather than his actual capabilities inside the octagon.
"People don't give Paddy a lot of credit," Chandler emphasized. "He's better than a lot of people think." Chandler speaks from personal experience, having faced Pimblett in a bout at UFC 314 in Miami in April 2025, where Pimblett secured a knockout victory in the third round.
First-Hand Experience and Future Stakes
Reflecting on his own fight with 'The Baddy', Chandler admitted he was not surprised by Pimblett's toughness. He highlighted Pimblett's physical attributes and mental composure as significant strengths. "He's got long reach, good kicks, and he stays calm," Chandler noted. "He's patient and composed."
Despite this respect for Pimblett, Chandler doubled down on his prediction, labeling Gaethje as a "whole different animal" in terms of the danger he presents. "If I had to lean one way, I'd go Justin Gaethje," Chandler concluded. Looking beyond the January showdown, Chandler also suggested that a victorious Gaethje could pose a serious threat to champion Ilia Topuria in a potential title unification bout later this year.
Pimblett's Confident Response and Game Plan
Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett has been vocal about his own preparation and mindset. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the English fighter expressed his eagerness for a brutal contest, something he feels has been missing from his career so far. "I've never had a war in all my years of fighting, so I'm looking forward to one," Pimblett declared.
Contrary to popular expectation that he might rely on his grappling, Pimblett stated his intention to stand and trade strikes with the notoriously heavy-handed Gaethje. "People think I'm just going to shoot right away. I'm not," he said. "I'm going to stand with him." Pimblett analyzed Gaethje as more of a boxer with punishing leg kicks, while positioning himself as a versatile MMA striker ready for a firefight.
The stage is now set for a fascinating stylistic clash at UFC 324. With Michael Chandler's insights adding fuel to the promotional fire, the interim lightweight title fight promises high drama. The winner will not only claim the interim belt but also earn a shot at undisputed champion Ilia Topuria, making this one of the most consequential bouts of the early UFC calendar.
