Ali Akbar RosadyThe Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) descends upon the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday for UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, a card headlined by a pivotal interim lightweight title bout between the division’s fourth-ranked contender, Justin Gaethje, and the fifth-ranked, Paddy Pimblett. The highly anticipated event marks a significant shift in UFC’s broadcast strategy, debuting exclusively on Paramount+, with early preliminaries commencing at 5 p.m. ET and the main card slated for approximately 9 p.m. ET.
The Main Event: Gaethje vs. Pimblett for Interim Gold
The stakes for the lightweight division are exceptionally high as Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) clash for the interim championship. This title bout is expected to position the victor for a future undisputed championship challenge against current lightweight king Islam Makhachev, who has dominated the division since capturing the belt.
Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje, a 37-year-old veteran known for his relentless pressure and devastating striking, enters the octagon following a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last March. Gaethje’s career has been defined by his willingness to engage in high-octane slugfests, earning him numerous "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses throughout his tenure. A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Gaethje has largely opted to showcase his striking prowess in the UFC, boasting 20 knockout victories in his 26 professional wins. His ability to absorb punishment while dishing out his own has cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting fighters, evidenced by his 2021 and 2024 President’s Choice Fight of the Year awards. Gaethje’s journey through the lightweight division has seen him hold the World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship, defending it successfully five times before joining the UFC in 2017. He has won three of his last four bouts, indicating strong recent form.
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Opposing him is the charismatic 31-year-old Liverpudlian, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, who has rapidly ascended the UFC lightweight ranks since his debut in 2021. Pimblett’s undefeated 7-0 record in the UFC, combined with his engaging personality, has made him a fan favorite. His last outing saw him secure a third-round TKO victory over veteran Michael Chandler at UFC 314 this past April, showcasing his evolving striking game alongside his formidable ground skills. Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion, began his professional career in 2012, competing across various weight classes including bantamweight, catchweight, and featherweight before settling in the lightweight division. His knack for dramatic finishes has earned him five Performance of the Night honors in the UFC, and he was recognized as the 2022 World MMA Awards Breakout Fighter of the Year. Known for his opportunistic submissions and aggressive approach, Pimblett’s fight against Gaethje represents his toughest test to date and a significant step up in competition for a divisional title.
DraftKings Sportsbook has listed Pimblett as a -238 favorite, requiring a risk of $238 to win $100. Gaethje, the more experienced UFC title contender, is the underdog at +195. The over/under for total rounds in the main event is set at 2.5, with the Over at -120 and the Under at -110, suggesting oddsmakers anticipate the fight could extend into the later rounds or end before the halfway point of the third round.
Co-Main Event Spotlight: O’Malley vs. Yadong in Bantamweight Action
The co-main event features a compelling bantamweight clash between the third-ranked Sean O’Malley and the fifth-ranked Song Yadong. Sean O’Malley, a dynamic striker known for his flamboyant style and pinpoint accuracy, enters as a -218 favorite. His opponent, Song Yadong, a powerful and aggressive striker from China, is listed at +180. This bout carries significant implications for the bantamweight division, with both fighters aiming to solidify their position for a future title shot against the division’s elite. O’Malley’s last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Petr Yan at UFC 280, a performance that propelled him into the upper echelon of the division. Yadong, meanwhile, most recently defeated Ricky Simón via first-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 223, showcasing his formidable knockout power.
Full Main Card Breakdown
Beyond the headline acts, UFC 324 features a robust main card with several intriguing matchups:
- Heavyweight Bout: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275). This heavyweight encounter pits the athletic and rising Cortes-Acosta against the veteran knockout artist Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis, renowned for his one-punch power and record for most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history. Lewis, despite recent setbacks, remains a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
- Women’s Flyweight Bout: Natalie Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250). In a pivotal women’s flyweight contest, the surging Natalie Silva faces former two-time strawweight champion Rose "Thug Rose" Namajunas. Silva is heavily favored, reflecting her strong momentum and impressive win streak. Namajunas, a highly technical striker and grappler, will look to re-establish her dominance in a new weight class.
- Featherweight Bout: Arnold Allen (+170) vs. Jean Silva (-205). A featherweight battle sees the consistent and well-rounded Arnold Allen take on the exciting prospect Jean Silva. Allen, a top contender in the division, faces a challenging opponent in Silva, who has quickly made a name for himself with aggressive performances.
Expert Insights from Kyle Marley
For those looking to make informed decisions on the UFC 324 card, SportsLine expert Kyle Marley has offered his comprehensive predictions and betting advice. Marley has established an impressive track record over the past five years, providing consistent winners for SportsLine members. Over the last three-plus years, $100 bettors who have followed his picks are reportedly up nearly $10,000, with total returns exceeding $21,000 since May 2018. His notable achievements include correctly predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 and achieving a 9-2 record on his picks at the most recent UFC card.
Marley has meticulously analyzed every aspect of the Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight and the entire UFC 324 card. One of his disclosed picks for the event is backing Natalie Silva (-310) to defeat Rose Namajunas (+250) via unanimous decision. Elaborating on his prediction, Marley stated, "Silva is on her way to the title, and Rose is on the decline. 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." He further teased his other selections, indicating he is also backing an underdog on the card who he believes can "keep this fight close on the feet." His full detailed picks and analysis are available exclusively on SportsLine.
UFC’s New Streaming Era with Paramount+
UFC 324 marks a significant shift in how fans can access numbered UFC events. In a move that effectively "knocks out" the traditional pay-per-view model, every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night will now be streamed live at no additional cost for Paramount+ subscribers. This new partnership means subscribers can watch all the live action, along with pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays, and archived fights from previous years, all within their existing subscription. This strategic pivot aims to make UFC content more accessible to a wider audience, streamlining the viewing experience and potentially expanding the sport’s global reach.
As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas, where two of the lightweight division’s most compelling fighters will battle for interim supremacy, with the wider landscape of the UFC lightweight division awaiting the outcome.
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