Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett ran away from the UFC 324 main event

Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett didn’t hesitate Justin Getty’s unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324. In a scathing critique that reverberated through the MMA community, the legendary grappler essentially called the five-round affair a technical disaster wrapped in an exciting package — and he has a point worth examining.

Wow. It was one of the WORST UFC main events in a while.

Two capable and dynamic finishers, fighting like a pair of newcomers. Such a terrible display, stretched out over 5 awful rounds. This was a preliminary match.#UFC324

— 𝕿𝕿𝖊𝖍𝖆𝖆 (@JoshLBarnett) January 25, 2026

Gaethje’s second interim lightweight crown came by scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47, a comfortable enough margin that masked the real quality of the contest. The bout earned Fight of the Night honors for its relentless back-and-forth action, and the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation as the final bell rang.

But Barnett’s assessment cut through the noise: “Wow. That was one of the WORST UFC main events in a while. Two capable and dynamic finishers, fighting like a pair of rookies. Such a terrible display, stretched over 5 awful rounds. This was a match for the prelims.”

Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett was a BANGER

pic.twitter.com/k0ktIm6S8T

— Jacob PM🌔 (@JacobBSpeaks) January 25, 2026

The stark disconnect between entertainment value and technical performance is the crux of Barnett’s appeal. Both Gaethje and Pimblett are known for their finishing ability and willingness to engage. However, at UFC 324, they abandoned the nuances in favor of raw aggression. Gethje’s game plan — relentless forward pressure and fence tactics — worked brilliantly to secure victory, but lacked the precision and defensive sophistication expected at Championship level.

Meanwhile, Pimblett was caught between survival mode and offensive ambition, resulting in a performance that showed grit but not finesse.

The undisguised truth: Goethje did enough to win interim gold and Pimblett proved he belongs among the elite, but neither fighter displayed the technical mastery you’d want in a main event competing for championship hardware. Matt Brown echoed Barnett’s sentiment, noting, “It was one of the most entertaining ‘championship’ fights I’ve ever seen, but I’ve seen better technique at local shows.

It was one of the most entertaining “championship” fights I’ve ever seen, but I’ve seen better technique at local shows. No hate! I’m just saying!

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 25, 2026

Here’s a nuance that matters to fans, though: Excitement and technical excellence don’t always align. The main event of UFC 324 provided edge-of-your-seat action precisely because both fighters abandoned fighting IQ in favor of fighting IQ. It’s either a feature or a bug, depending on your point of view.

Barnett’s criticisms ring true for purists who have watched a decade of elite-level MMA. But for casual fans watching the UFC’s first Paramount+ main event? They got exactly what they paid for — two warriors left everything in the Octagon, technical flaws and all.

The real question is not whether Barnett was right. He was. It’s about whether the UFC is comfortable with interim championship main events prioritizing heart over technique as it enters this new era.