Las Vegas Prepares for UFC 324 as Gaethje Meets Pimblett for Interim Lightweight Gold

Las Vegas, Nevada – The T-Mobile Arena is set to host UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday, with a pivotal lightweight interim title bout headlining the card. Fourth-ranked Justin Gaethje will face fifth-ranked Paddy Pimblett in a highly anticipated clash that could reshape the division’s immediate future. The event marks a significant milestone as the debut UFC event to be exclusively streamed on Paramount+. Early preliminary bouts are scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. ET, leading up to the main card, which is slated for approximately 9 p.m. ET.

Justin Gaethje, known for his relentless pressure and devastating striking, enters the octagon following a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last March. His opponent, Paddy Pimblett, brings a fervent fan base and a dynamic grappling and striking skill set, most recently securing a third-round TKO against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 this past April. The stakes are high for both fighters, with the interim title providing a direct path to a shot at the undisputed lightweight championship.

According to the latest UFC 324 odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Paddy Pimblett is positioned as a -238 favorite, requiring a wager of $238 to yield a $100 profit. Justin Gaethje, the underdog in this matchup, is listed at +195, meaning a $100 bet would return $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.

The co-main event features a compelling bantamweight encounter between third-ranked Sean O’Malley and fifth-ranked Song Yadong. O’Malley is favored at -218, while Yadong stands as the underdog at +180. This bout carries significant implications for the bantamweight title picture, with both fighters aiming to solidify their contender status.

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Ahead of the event, seasoned MMA analyst Kyle Marley from SportsLine has released his expert predictions and betting advice for UFC 324. Marley’s track record in the sport has garnered considerable attention within the betting community. Over the past three-plus years, $100 bettors who have followed his selections have seen returns approaching $10,000. Since May 2018, Marley has reportedly generated over $21,000 in profits for his followers. His achievements include successfully predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020, following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to the global pandemic. Most recently, Marley demonstrated his analytical acumen by going 9-2 on his picks for the last UFC card.

Marley’s comprehensive analysis for UFC 324 includes detailed breakdowns for the main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, as well as the full card. His insights are exclusively available to SportsLine members. For those looking to place wagers, DraftKings Sportsbook is offering new users $300 in bonus bets upon a winning $5 wager. Additionally, new users can claim a bet365 bonus code to receive $200 in bonus bets after placing a $5 bet.

The UFC’s transition to Paramount+ marks a significant shift in its broadcast strategy. The streaming service is now the exclusive home for all numbered UFC events and UFC Fight Night cards, eliminating traditional Pay-Per-View costs for subscribers. Paramount+ subscribers gain access to live events, pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays, and an archive of past fights. This move aims to make UFC content more accessible to a broader audience.

Gaethje vs. Pimblett: Fighter Previews

Justin Gaethje, 37, often referred to as "The Highlight," has maintained a strong presence in the lightweight division, boasting a record of 26-5. His career began in 2011, achieving an undefeated 18-0 run before joining the UFC in 2017. A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Gaethje has largely favored a striking-heavy approach, with 20 of his victories coming by knockout. He also has one submission win and five decisions.

Gaethje’s accolades include numerous UFC honors, such as being named the President’s Choice Fight of the Year winner in 2021 and 2024, alongside nominations in 2019 and 2023. During his tenure with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), he held the lightweight championship and successfully defended it five times. As an amateur, Gaethje compiled a 7-0 record, with four victories by knockout, underscoring his early promise and power. His recent win over Fiziev showcased his ability to adapt and secure victories against elite competition, further cementing his status as a top contender.

Paddy Pimblett, 31, known as "The Baddy," initiated his professional career in October 2012, competing across bantamweight, catchweight, featherweight, and lightweight divisions. He entered the UFC in 2021 after building a 16-3 record. Since joining the premier mixed martial arts promotion, Pimblett has maintained an undefeated 7-0 record, earning five Performance of the Night bonuses for his exciting finishes.

Pimblett quickly captivated fans with his aggressive style and charismatic personality. His UFC debut in 2021, a knockout victory over Luigi Vendramini, earned him a UFC Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year nomination. In 2022, he was recognized as the Breakout Fighter of the Year by the World MMA Awards. Furthermore, his submission victory over King Green secured him the 2024 Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year award. Prior to the UFC, Pimblett was a Cage Warriors featherweight champion, showcasing his championship pedigree and grappling prowess. His TKO win over Chandler in April demonstrated his continued evolution as a well-rounded fighter.

Main Card Picks from Kyle Marley

Marley has provided a specific pick for one of the main card bouts, favoring Natalie Silva (-310) to defeat Rose Namajunas (+250) via unanimous decision. Silva and Namajunas are scheduled for a flyweight contest.

"Silva is on her way to the title, and Rose is on the decline," Marley stated to SportsLine, providing context for his selection. "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 detailed reasoning highlights Marley’s analytical approach, focusing on fighter trajectory, stylistic matchups, and potential fight outcomes.

How to Make UFC 324 Picks

Marley’s comprehensive analysis extends to all matchups on the UFC 324 card, including an endorsement for an underdog he believes can "keep this fight close on the feet." His full slate of predictions and betting insights, including his top picks for Gaethje vs. Pimblett, are available exclusively through SportsLine.

For enthusiasts and bettors looking for detailed analysis on who will emerge victorious in the main event and how each fight might conclude, SportsLine offers access to Marley’s expertise. With a proven track record of over $21,000 in UFC pick profits since May 2018, Marley’s predictions are a notable resource for those looking to inform their wagers.

UFC 324 Main Fight Card and Odds

  • Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-238) – Lightweight Interim Title Bout
  • Sean O’Malley (-218) vs. Song Yadong (+180) – Bantamweight Bout
  • Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275) – Heavyweight Bout
  • Natalie Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250) – Flyweight Bout
  • Arnold Allen (+170) vs. Jean Silva (-205) – Featherweight Bout

(Odds are subject to change.)

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