Justin Gaethje ignores Ruffy's rival and finds himself under pressure before UFC 324.

Gaethje focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

Involved in some of the best fights in MMA history, Justin gaethje has the opportunity to regain the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) this Saturday (24) against Paddy Pimblett, in the main fight of the UFC 324However, despite being in a highly desirable position, the American revealed that he feels pressured to show improvement in the match against the Englishman.

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In an interview with 'ONX Sports' this Thursday (22), the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) surprised by ignoring the last victory against Raphael Fiziev and to remember the brutal knockout defeat to Max Holloway No. UFC 300, valid for the BMF title.

"I'm still basically coming off a loss, even though I came back and got a win. My thought is: I just got knocked out by..." Max Holloway "And I still have everything to prove," Gaethje stated.

Justin gaethje says the Fichiev victory didn't erase the Holloway loss 👀😢 #UFC324

"I'm still pretty much coming off a loss, although I did come back and get a win. My mindset is: I just got knocked out by Max Holloway, and I still have everything to prove.”

(via: @ONXSports ) pic.twitter.com/0Ww0zIBQRs

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 22, 2026

After the tough defeat to the Hawaiian in April of the year before last, Highlight was scheduled to face Dan Hooker In early 2025, after the New Zealander fractured his hand, Fiziev replaced him with only a few days' notice and ended up losing by unanimous decision. Before that, Gaethje had become the BMF champion with a big knockout victory against Dustin poirier.

Gaethje's former rival will face off against Mauricio Ruffy.

Justin gaethje (left) and Raphael Fiziev (right) facing before the UFC 313. Photo: UFC Reproduction

After failing to win against Gaethje for the second time, Fiziev recovered by halting the rise of Ignatius Bahamondes in June 2025. In his next fight, he will face another great prospect in the category: Mauricio Ruffy. The Brazilian is ranked 14th in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and is coming off a tough loss to Benoit Saint-Denis.