Justin Gaethje showed little respect toward one opponent before a defining UFC clash. As one of the promotion’s most thrilling fighters, he earned the spotlight repeatedly. ‘The Highlight’ now headlines the UFC’s debut event on Paramount+. The 37-year-old still chases the undisputed lightweight title. He already fell short twice during his UFC run. Another opportunity now sits within reach.
Gaethje must defeat Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 this Saturday. Victory would crown him a two-time interim champion. The bout takes place in Las Vegas. Gaethje hopes to leave with gold and a unification fight secured. Yet his career once balanced on a much thinner line.
A loss that could have ended everything
One fight more than six years ago almost changed everything. Gaethje entered August 2018 under pressure. He had lost two of his first three UFC fights. Dustin Poirier stopped him by TKO earlier that year. His next appearance carried serious weight.
James Vick stood across from him in Lincoln. Vick held a 13–1 record. He entered the bout riding four straight wins. Many viewed him as a dangerous test. Gaethje saw something very different.
Gaethje’s blunt message before James Vick
Gaethje dismissed Vick’s abilities openly. He made his stance clear before the main event. He even tied his career to the outcome.
“I’m so much better than James Vick,” Gaethje said during a media appearance. He explained his thinking without hesitation. Gaethje claimed he would retire if Vick outclassed him. He stressed he meant domination in every area. He called Vick slow and not good enough. Gaethje believed such a loss would signal something was wrong.
A brutal response inside the Octagon
The fight delivered a decisive answer. Gaethje never looked outclassed. He attacked immediately and with intent. He knocked Vick out in under 90 seconds. The emphatic win stopped his losing streak. It also launched a new chapter.
Gaethje soon built momentum again. That run later ended with an interim title victory. He stopped Tony Ferguson to claim the belt. His career survived and thrived after Lincoln.
UFC 324 may close the circle
Eleven fights later, the end may be near. Gaethje prepares for UFC 324 with everything at stake again. His longtime coach offered a blunt assessment. Trevor Wittman spoke ahead of the Pimblett fight.
Wittman described the bout as their final run. He said defeat would end Gaethje’s career. He ruled out gatekeeping roles or money-driven matchups. Wittman emphasized family and long-term health. He acknowledged Gaethje’s love for fighting.
Victory, however, could change the plan. Wittman spoke about chasing repeated title defenses. He described that goal as a shoot-for-the-moon ambition.
