Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 24, 2026 – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday for UFC 324, an event headlined by a highly anticipated interim lightweight title bout between fourth-ranked Justin Gaethje and fifth-ranked Paddy Pimblett. The card holds significant weight not only for the lightweight division but also for the promotion, as it marks the debut of UFC events on the Paramount+ streaming platform. Early preliminary bouts are scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card expected to kick off around 9 p.m. ET.
The stakes are considerable for both Gaethje and Pimblett, as the interim title offers a direct pathway to a unification bout against the reigning undisputed lightweight champion, whose current status has led to the creation of this interim championship opportunity. While the promotion has yet to confirm the exact timeline for the undisputed champion’s return, the winner of Saturday’s main event will firmly establish themselves as the division’s top contender.
Gaethje’s Path: The Highlight’s Relentless Pursuit
Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje, 37, enters UFC 324 following a period of sustained high-level performance, boasting three victories in his last four outings. His most recent triumph was a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last March, a contest widely lauded for its relentless pace and striking exchanges. Gaethje’s career has been defined by his aggressive, pressure-heavy fighting style, characterized by devastating leg kicks, powerful hooks, and an unwavering willingness to engage in thrilling, stand-up battles.
Related News :
- Diaz Details Path for McGregor Trilogy, Rejects Poirier’s Retirement Challenge in Candid Interview
- UFC 324 Kicks Off Paramount+ Partnership with Gaethje-Pimblett Interim Lightweight Championship and Nunes’ Return
- Pereira’s Resurgence: ‘Poatan’ Reclaims Light Heavyweight Gold, Reshapes UFC Pound-for-Pound Landscape
- Ronda Rousey Secures Swift Victory Over Carano, Announces Definitive Retirement from MMA
- Jim Irsay’s Historic Collection, Valued at Over $1 Billion, to be Auctioned by Christie’s
A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Gaethje initiated his professional mixed martial arts career in 2011, quickly establishing a formidable reputation. He remained undefeated with an 18-0 record before making his highly anticipated UFC debut in 2017. Throughout his 31 professional matches, he has amassed an impressive 26-5 record, with a remarkable 20 wins coming by way of knockout, one by submission, and five by decision. His fighting prowess has earned him numerous accolades within the UFC, including the prestigious President’s Choice Fight of the Year award in both 2021 and 2024, alongside nominations in 2019 and 2023. Prior to his UFC tenure, Gaethje dominated the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) lightweight division, where he was a one-time champion with five successful title defenses. His amateur career also showcased his potential, concluding with an undefeated 7-0 record, including four knockout finishes. His experience in high-stakes bouts, having challenged for the undisputed title on multiple occasions, provides him with a crucial edge in navigating the pressure of an interim championship fight.
Pimblett’s Ascent: "The Baddy" Seeks Gold
Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, 31, has rapidly ascended through the lightweight ranks since his UFC debut in 2021, captivating audiences with his dynamic fighting style and charismatic personality. Pimblett secured his spot in this interim title fight with a third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 this past April, a performance that highlighted his improved striking and trademark aggression.
Pimblett embarked on his professional career in October 2012, initially competing as a bantamweight before transitioning through catchweight, featherweight, and ultimately finding a home in the lightweight division. Before joining the UFC, he compiled a strong 16-3 record. His tenure in the UFC has been flawless, marked by a 7-0 record and five "Performance of the Night" bonuses, underscoring his finishing ability and exciting approach. Pimblett’s grappling and submission skills have often been central to his victories, but his striking has shown significant evolution in recent years, making him a more unpredictable opponent. His impact on the sport has been recognized with several honors, including a 2021 UFC Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year nomination for his knockout win over Luigi Vendramini, and the 2022 Breakout Fighter of the Year award from the World MMA Awards. In 2024, he also received the Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year for his impressive victory over King Green. Prior to his UFC success, Pimblett was a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, further solidifying his championship pedigree.
Betting Landscape and Expert Analysis
The betting market for UFC 324 reflects the competitive nature of the main event. DraftKings Sportsbook lists Paddy Pimblett as a -238 favorite, requiring a wager of $238 to yield a $100 profit. Justin Gaethje, conversely, enters as a +195 underdog, meaning a $100 bet on Gaethje would return a $195 profit. The over/under for total rounds in the main event is set at 2.5, with the "Over" priced at -120 and the "Under" at -110. These odds suggest that while Pimblett is favored, Gaethje is considered a live underdog capable of an upset.
For bettors seeking informed guidance, SportsLine’s seasoned MMA analyst Kyle Marley has provided his comprehensive predictions for UFC 324. Marley has established a notable track record over the past three-plus years, with $100 bettors who have followed his selections accumulating nearly $10,000 in profits. Since May 2018, his picks have generated well over $21,000 in returns. His expertise includes accurately predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s pandemic-induced hiatus, and he delivered a 9-2 record on his picks for the most recent UFC card. Marley’s detailed analysis, which considers various fight angles for Gaethje vs. Pimblett and other matchups, is available to SportsLine members.
Co-Main Event: O’Malley vs. Yadong in Bantamweight Thriller
The co-main event features a compelling bantamweight clash between third-ranked Sean O’Malley and fifth-ranked Song Yadong. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and dynamic style, is the favorite at -218, while the powerful Song Yadong comes in at +180. O’Malley’s recent performances have solidified his position as a top contender, showcasing his precision striking and ability to finish opponents. Yadong, a formidable striker in his own right, brings immense power and durability, promising a high-octane encounter with significant implications for the bantamweight division’s championship picture. Both fighters are looking to make a statement and potentially earn a shot at the bantamweight title in the near future.
Main Card Highlights and Expert Picks
Beyond the top two bouts, UFC 324 presents a stacked main card with several intriguing matchups. Heavyweights Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) and Derrick Lewis (+275) are set to collide in a battle of power and experience. Cortes-Acosta, a rising force, looks to continue his ascent against the veteran "Black Beast" Lewis, renowned for his knockout ability.
In the women’s flyweight division, Natalie Silva (-310) takes on former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (+250). Marley’s analysis highlights Silva’s strong trajectory, backing her to defeat Namajunas via unanimous decision. "Silva is on her way to the title, and Rose is on the decline," Marley stated to SportsLine. "Both fighters are well-rounded, but I expect da Silva to have the higher pace and keep this fight standing. I will pick da Silva to win 2-3 rounds here, and I’d rather bet her decision prop." This pick underscores a potential shift in the division, with Silva aiming to solidify her contender status against a highly respected former champion.
Another featherweight bout sees Arnold Allen (+170) face off against Jean Silva (-205). Allen, a consistent performer in the division, will look to upset the favored Silva, who is gaining momentum. Marley’s insights for the card also include backing an underdog in another bout, noting that the fighter "can keep this fight close on the feet," further suggesting potential upsets beyond the main event.
UFC’s New Era on Paramount+
UFC 324 marks a pivotal moment for the promotion as it becomes the debut UFC event available on Paramount+. This new broadcasting arrangement signals a significant shift in how fans can access UFC content. The deal allows Paramount+ subscribers to stream every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night live, at no additional cost, effectively eliminating the traditional Pay-Per-View model for these major events. In addition to live fights, the platform will offer pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays, and an extensive archive of past fights. This strategic move aims to expand the UFC’s reach and provide greater value to its fanbase, ushering in a new era of accessibility for mixed martial arts.
Full UFC 324 Main Card Odds (Subject to Change):
- Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-238)
- Sean O’Malley (-218) vs. Song Yadong (+180)
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275)
- Natalie Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250)
- Arnold Allen (+170) vs. Jean Silva (-205)
As UFC 324 approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to witness the crowning of a new interim lightweight champion and the dawn of a new broadcast era for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMAMay 23, 2026UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Clash for Interim Lightweight Title in Las Vegas, Marking Paramount+ Era Debut
MMAMay 23, 2026Usyk Retains WBC Heavyweight Crown in Historic Clash Against Verhoeven at Giza Pyramids
MMAMay 23, 2026Historic Clash of MMA Icons: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Headlines Netflix’s Groundbreaking MVP MMA Event
MMAMay 23, 2026Crossover Spectacle: Former NFL Star Manziel and NBA Veterans Enter the Combat Arena at Brand Risk 14
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo