Gethje - on past losses before the fight for the interim UFC title

On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Justin Gaethje will fight Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC lightweight championship title at UFC 324. Ahead of the bout, the American fighter recalled two of his most painful losses - to Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway.

In 2022, Gaethje fought Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight championship title, as the Brazilian was unable to make weight and was stripped of the belt. Although Oliveira could not become champion, Gaethje had the opportunity to claim the title but lost in the first round, getting caught in a submission. He later admitted that his condition was not the best due to a bicycle accident that occurred just 18 days before the fight.

In 2024, Gaethje faced Max Holloway while defending the symbolic BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) belt. Holloway dominated for most of the fight and knocked Gaethje out in the final seconds of the fifth round. The American noted that improper psychological preparation played a significant role in this defeat.

Gaethje told ESPN in an interview: "These are the only two opponents against whom I was not at my best - for different reasons." He added that he underestimated Holloway and viewed the fight more as a show than a serious confrontation.

The 37-year-old Gaethje previously became the interim UFC champion in 2020 when he defeated Tony Ferguson. However, later that same year, he was unable to unify the titles, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

If Gaethje wins against Pimblett, it could grant him a second interim title and a third chance to compete for the full championship belt. Currently, the reigning champion Ilia Topuria has suspended his appearances for personal reasons, which has led to the interim title being contested.