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 UFC 324. However, despite being in a highly desirable position, the American revealed that he feels pressured to show improvement in the fight 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 his last victory against Rafael Fiziev and recalling the brutal knockout defeat to Max Holloway at 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 Fiziev 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 a tough loss to the Hawaiian in April of the previous year, Highlight was scheduled to face Dan Hooker in early 2025. After the New Zealander fractured his hand, Fiziev replaced him with just 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 Rafael Fiziev (right) face off before UFC 313. Photo: UFC Reproduction

After his second defeat against Gaethje, Fiziev bounced back by halting Ignacio Bahamondes ' rise in June 2025. In his next bout, he will face another promising fighter in the division: 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.

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