Paddy Pimblett predicts an early finish over Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 324. The Briton, the betting favourite, claims he's a tougher puzzle than Khabib Nurmagomedov, while Gaethje dismissed his opponent's confidence as "overconfident" and disrespectful to UFC legends during a subdued Las Vegas news conference.

Pimblett enters on a seven-fight win streak, including recent victories over Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson. Gaethje, however, possesses far deeper championship experience, having faced Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway. The American, a former interim champion, vowed to "figure out" Pimblett's awkward style and insisted his competitive fire remains as bright as ever.

The event featured a lighter face-off where both men smiled and joked, a stark contrast to the tension typically seen before title fights. Pimblett conserving his showman persona suggests the fight's significance, as he aims to become the first Liverpool-born UFC champion. A victory would propel him toward a unification bout with the absent champion, Ilia Topuria.