Charles Oliveira isn’t holding back—he’s pointing out exactly where Justin Gaethje could stumble in his upcoming fight with Paddy Pimblett. The former lightweight champion recently shared his candid take on one of the most talked-about matchups of the new year: the interim lightweight title showdown between Pimblett and Gaethje, set to headline UFC 324 on January 24. And this is where things get interesting—Oliveira’s insights reveal more than just strategic analysis; they expose potential vulnerabilities that fans and fighters alike can’t ignore.
UFC 324 isn’t just another card—it marks the first numbered event of the UFC’s new Paramount+ era. The lineup is stacked: from high-voltage names like Sean O’Malley and Amanda Nunes to returning icons such as Rose Namajunas, fight fans are in for an action-packed night. But the main event is stirring controversy. Many fans are divided, questioning whether Paddy Pimblett truly earned his spot against one of the most violent strikers in the division.
Interestingly, Oliveira himself was rumored to be part of the same card after a mysterious post from UFC Brazil quickly vanished. Though his appearance won’t happen this time, the Brazilian star hasn’t stayed silent. In a recent interview with Olhar da Luta, Oliveira—who choked out Gaethje in the first round back in 2022 to claim lightweight gold—broke down how he sees the Pimblett vs. Gaethje title fight unfolding.
According to Oliveira, Pimblett’s best path to victory lies in grappling. “He’s a good striker and keeps moving, but Justin is extremely powerful on the feet,” Oliveira explained via Google translation. “Gaethje has incredible striking ability, but there are weaknesses when the fight goes to the canvas.” In other words, Pimblett must avoid playing Gaethje’s game. “If he stays standing, he could get knocked out,” Oliveira warned. “But if he mixes in takedowns, he might just shock the world. Still, personally, I’d love to see Gaethje get the win.”
It’s a bold take—especially coming from someone who’s beaten Gaethje before. And it’s sparking debate. Can Pimblett’s flashy submission skills really overcome one of the most destructive punchers in UFC history? Or will Gaethje once again leave fans standing in awe of his ruthless power?
Beyond analyzing the main event, Oliveira also weighed in on a larger issue: the politics behind who deserves a title shot. While Ilia Topuria’s hiatus forced the UFC to create an interim belt, Oliveira believes the promotion made a misstep in choosing contenders. “In my opinion, the fighter who truly earned this opportunity is Arman Tsarukyan,” he said. The comment echoes frustration from fans who remember Tsarukyan’s razor-thin win over Oliveira at UFC 300—a fight many argued proved his readiness for gold.
So, is Oliveira right to question the UFC’s matchmaking decisions? Should Pimblett have been passed over for a proven contender like Tsarukyan? Or does the fan-favorite Scouser deserve his shot at glory because of his breakout popularity and rapid rise?
Your thoughts matter here—does the UFC 324 card live up to the hype, or is it all just marketing spin? Drop your rating and predictions in the comments below.
