Ali Akbar Rosady
The Ultimate Fighting Championship kicks off its year with a highly anticipated card, UFC 324, broadcasting exclusively on Paramount+. The event, set for Saturday, January 24, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is headlined by a pivotal interim lightweight championship bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. This encounter represents a significant moment for the promotion as it shifts its broadcast strategy, making all numbered events accessible to Paramount+ subscribers without additional pay-per-view costs.
Main Event Spotlight: Gaethje vs. Pimblett for Interim Lightweight Gold
The headline attraction features two of the lightweight division’s most compelling figures. Paddy Pimblett (23-3), a dynamic finisher known for his exciting style and fervent fan base, enters the octagon as the -238 favorite. The 31-year-old Liverpudlian is currently enjoying a nine-fight winning streak, a testament to his evolution and dominance since joining the UFC in 2021, where he boasts an undefeated 7-0 record. This marks Pimblett’s first title opportunity within the promotion, a significant step after capturing championships in other organizations prior to his UFC tenure. His diverse skill set, rooted in a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, has led to 10 submission victories, complemented by seven knockouts and six decisions in his 23 professional wins. Pimblett’s ability to finish fights has also earned him five "Performance of the Night" bonuses in his last seven UFC appearances, including two consecutive awards.
Opposing him is Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje (26-5), an explosive striker and former interim lightweight champion, who is listed at +195 in the latest UFC 324 odds. At 37 years old, Gaethje remains one of the most feared competitors in the division, renowned for his aggressive, all-action fighting style. A former NCAA All-American wrestler from Northern Colorado, Gaethje has primarily forged his reputation through devastating striking, with 20 of his 26 victories coming by way of knockout. He has never lost a professional fight by decision, highlighting his commitment to seeking finishes. Gaethje previously claimed the interim lightweight title at UFC 249 with a TKO victory over Tony Ferguson but subsequently fell short in undisputed championship bids against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. His recent form includes three wins in his last four fights, notably capturing the symbolic "BMF" title with a spectacular knockout of Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. The over/under for total rounds in this championship contest is set at 2.5, with the "Over" slightly favored at -120, suggesting expectations for a competitive bout that could extend into the later rounds.
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The stylistic clash between Gaethje’s relentless pressure and powerful striking and Pimblett’s opportunistic grappling and improved striking promises a high-stakes affair. Gaethje’s experience in five-round championship fights and his ability to absorb damage while delivering his own will be tested against Pimblett’s youthful exuberance and diverse finishing arsenal. Both fighters have demonstrated a penchant for thrilling performances, making this interim title bout a fitting centerpiece for the year’s inaugural UFC event.
Co-Main Event: Bantamweight Contention featuring O’Malley vs. Yadong
The co-main event presents a crucial bantamweight clash between two top-five ranked contenders: Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. O’Malley (18-3), a former bantamweight champion who recently lost his title to Merab Dvalishvili, enters as the -218 favorite despite his recent setback. Known for his unique striking style and flashy finishes, O’Malley will be looking to re-establish his championship credentials. His opponent, Song Yadong (22-8-1), priced at +180, is a dangerous and well-rounded fighter from China, recognized for his powerful striking and durability. This bout holds significant implications for the bantamweight title picture, with the winner positioning themselves for future championship contention. O’Malley’s distinct footwork and precise striking will be challenged by Yadong’s aggressive approach and potent combinations, promising a high-paced encounter.
Supporting Card Highlights
Beyond the two headlining acts, UFC 324 features a compelling main card. Heavyweight veteran Derrick Lewis (+275), known for his knockout power, faces the undefeated Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345). In the women’s flyweight division, Natalie Silva (-310) takes on former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (+250), who is continuing her campaign in the higher weight class. The card also includes a featherweight bout between Arnold Allen (+170) and Jean Silva (-205). Allen, a consistent presence in the division’s top ranks, will aim to rebound against Silva, a rapidly rising prospect.
Expert Insights from Daniel Vithlani
For those looking to place wagers on UFC 324, SportsLine expert Daniel Vithlani offers comprehensive MMA predictions and betting advice. Vithlani has established a reputation as a highly analytical UFC bettor, demonstrating consistent success since his debut in January 2023 with a flawless 5-0 record for UFC 283. His expertise has translated into over $1,500 in profits on his UFC main-card picks for SportsLine members.
Vithlani’s notable predictions include accurately calling the upset victory of Sean O’Malley (+210) against then-champion Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292, as part of a successful 4-1 main card. He also correctly identified underdog winners at UFC 299, backing Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130). His detailed analysis and track record underscore his credibility within the MMA betting community.
For UFC 324, Vithlani has already revealed one of his key picks: backing Jean Silva (-205) to defeat Arnold Allen (+175) on the main card. "Silva’s 5-0 start to his UFC career came to a screeching halt in his last fight against featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes," Vithlani commented. "After finishing his first five UFC opponents, Silva was beat up and knocked out badly by Lopes in a nasty fight. Prior to that, Silva was emerging as the division’s fastest-rising prospect. I think he can get back to haunting his fellow featherweights, starting with Allen." Vithlani acknowledged Allen’s capabilities as an active southpaw kickboxer and grappler but emphasized Silva’s potential for a fight-changing strike, stating, "Allen will need to stay on his lateral movement and try to out-volume Silva, but one big right hand or left hook from Silva could change this fight instantly."
Broadcast and Betting Information
UFC 324 marks a new era for the promotion’s broadcast, with all numbered events and UFC Fight Nights streaming live on Paramount+ at no additional cost beyond the subscription fee. This move eliminates traditional pay-per-view purchases, offering subscribers access to live events, pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays, and an archive of past fights.
For new users interested in sports betting, DraftKings is offering a promotional code that provides $300 in bonus bets if their initial wager wins. Similarly, FanDuel’s promo code allows new users to instantly receive $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5 bet is successful. These promotions provide opportunities for fans to engage with the event from a betting perspective.
Vithlani’s full range of picks for Gaethje vs. Pimblett and the entire UFC 324 card, including his confident selection of a "far more sophisticated striker" expected to "tee off" on their opponent, are available exclusively through SportsLine.
UFC 324 Main Fight Card Odds (as of reporting, 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)
UFC 324 is positioned to deliver a thrilling start to the year for mixed martial arts enthusiasts, featuring high-stakes matchups across multiple divisions and the introduction of a new broadcast model.
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