Justin Gaethje (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Justin Gaethje Downplays Interim Belt, Sets Sights on the Real UFC Gold

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 2:56 PM ET

What a performance Justin Gaethje showed at the age of 37. He defeated the rising star Paddy Pimblett in a brutal fashion. However, now the new interim lightweight champion aims for the real belt, as getting the interim belt was his second priority.

It was clear that the winner would be facing Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title. Many wanted Pimblett to win the fight as they wanted to see ‘The Baddy’ vs. Topuria, but the 37-year-old fighter came on top, and now ‘The Highlight’ is not satisfied with being interim champion. In his recent video, he said:

“I’m not satisfied because it is, in my mind, still second place. However, I do know it’s a great achievement. In history, I’m gonna be a two-time interim champion, which on paper makes me a champion. In this one specific area, I have to be pessimistic and not be content because, obviously, same as last time.”

"In my mind, it's still second place" – Justin Gaethje says he isn’t satisfied with being interim champion

“I’m not satisfied because it is, in my mind, still second place. However, I do know it’s a great achievement. In history, I’m gonna be a two-time interim champion,… pic.twitter.com/9BEkA31IHK
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 30, 2026

Meanwhile, when Gaethje first became the interim champion, he had to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. Meanwhile, now that he has become champion for the second time, he has a big challenge, as ‘El Matador’ is known for his crazy knockout power. But fans must be excited for this one.

Jorge Masvidal Says Justin Gaethje Helped Paddy Pimblett

Fans labeled Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett as one of the most exciting fights in recent UFC history , but Pimblett ultimately lost by decision. But Ilia Topuria is waiting on the other side for Gaethje for their next fight. However, Jorge Masvidal believes the 37-year-old saved Pimblett from Topuria. During his recent talk with Death Row MMA, he said:

“It’s a good thing Paddy didn’t win, because if he did, he was going to get torched by Ilia. Both these guys are just levels below Ilia, and that fight really showed it all. On the wrestling, on the striking, on the defense, the offense.”

"It’s a good thing Paddy didn’t win, because if he did, he was going to get torched by Ilia."

Jorge Masvidal says Justin winning saved Paddy from a brutal matchup.

“Both these guys are just levels below Ilia, and that fight really showed it all – on the wrestling, on the… pic.twitter.com/yNoIOJnlx3
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 27, 2026

As fans and the MMA community wanted to see ‘El Matador’ vs. ‘The Baddy,’ fans really were thrilled by their rivalry. But Masvidal has a different opinion, as Pimblett’s recent performance was poor, and a fighter like Topuria would knock him out. However, the question of when the Spanish fighter will return is now the biggest for many.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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