Las Vegas Set for UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Vie for Interim Lightweight Gold

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is poised to launch its 2024 calendar with a compelling event, UFC 324, scheduled for Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This fight card is highlighted by a pivotal interim lightweight championship bout featuring former title challenger Justin Gaethje and the rapidly ascending contender Paddy Pimblett. The event also marks a significant shift in broadcast strategy, as it represents the promotion’s debut on Paramount+, making numbered events accessible to subscribers without an additional Pay-Per-View fee.

The main event serves as a high-stakes encounter between two of the lightweight division’s most recognized and fan-favorite fighters. Paddy Pimblett (23-3), known by his moniker "The Baddy," enters the contest as the betting favorite at -238 in the latest UFC 324 odds. He brings with him an impressive nine-fight winning streak, a testament to his recent form and consistent performance. This bout marks a career milestone for Pimblett, as it is his first opportunity to secure a championship within the UFC, a promotion he joined in 2021 and where he has maintained an undefeated 7-0 record. Standing opposite him is Justin Gaethje (26-5), universally recognized for his aggressive, all-action "Highlight" reel fighting style. Gaethje is positioned as the underdog at +195, despite having won three of his last four fights and previously holding the interim lightweight title. The over/under for total rounds in this championship contest is set at 2.5, with the "Over" slightly favored at -120, suggesting that oddsmakers anticipate the fight could extend into the latter half of the third round.

The UFC 324 main card is slated to commence at 9 p.m. ET, promising an evening filled with critical matchups. Preceding the main event, the co-main event features a significant clash within the bantamweight division, pitting the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley against top-five ranked contender Song Yadong. Sean O’Malley (18-3), celebrated for his precise striking and distinctive style, is the -218 favorite. His opponent, Song Yadong (22-8-1), known as "The Kung Fu Kid," is priced at +180. O’Malley, who recently captured the undisputed bantamweight title, will look to continue his reign against Yadong, a durable and powerful striker who consistently poses a threat to any opponent in the division.

For enthusiasts seeking expert analysis and betting recommendations for UFC 324, SportsLine expert Daniel Vithlani has provided his comprehensive predictions and betting advice for the entire card. Vithlani has established a notable track record of success since his debut on SportsLine in January 2023, highlighted by a flawless 5-0 record for UFC 283. His main-card picks have collectively yielded a profit of over $1,500 for those who have followed his insights. Among his notable correct calls are the upset victory of Sean O’Malley (+210) over then-champion Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292, contributing to a 4-1 main card performance. Additionally, his successful underdog selections at UFC 299 included Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130).

Related News :

Prospective bettors for UFC 324 may also explore current promotional offers from various sportsbooks. The DraftKings promo code, for instance, is offering new users an opportunity to receive $300 in bonus bets if their initial wager is successful. Similarly, the FanDuel promo code provides new users with $300 in instant bonus bets upon a winning $5 qualifying wager.

The transition of UFC numbered events and Fight Nights to Paramount+ signifies a substantial change in how fans can access the promotion’s content. Subscribers to Paramount+ can now stream these live events at no additional cost beyond their subscription, effectively eliminating the traditional Pay-Per-View model for major UFC cards. This new arrangement also grants access to pre-fight docuseries, full-length fight replays, and an extensive archive of past fights, enhancing the overall viewing experience for MMA fans.

Gaethje vs. Pimblett: A Detailed Breakdown

Justin Gaethje, at 37 years old, brings a deep well of experience and a formidable fighting style to this championship clash. His athletic foundation was laid in amateur wrestling, culminating in an NCAA All-American honor at Northern Colorado. However, in professional mixed martial arts, Gaethje has become synonymous with his electrifying knockout power. Of his 26 professional victories, a staggering 20 have come by knockout, with five decisions and only one submission win. His five professional defeats include three by knockout and two by submission. Crucially, Gaethje has never lost a fight by decision, a statistic that underscores his relentless, finish-first approach in the Octagon.

Operating out of Denver, Colorado, Gaethje is pursuing his second interim UFC Lightweight Championship. His initial claim to interim gold came at UFC 249, where he secured a TKO victory over the highly respected Tony Ferguson. Following this triumph, he challenged then-undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship but ultimately suffered a submission defeat. Gaethje later received another opportunity to capture the undisputed title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 274, where he again fell short. Despite these setbacks in undisputed title fights, Gaethje’s enduring popularity and combat prowess were reaffirmed when he won the symbolic UFC "BMF" (Baddest Motherf***er) title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, a bout widely praised for its intensity and action. His recent form, marked by three victories in his last four outings, indicates that Gaethje remains a top-tier contender, driven by an unwavering ambition to achieve undisputed championship status.

Paddy Pimblett, 31, hails from Liverpool, England, and possesses a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He made his professional debut at the age of 17, initially competing in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions for over five years before making a permanent transition to lightweight in 2018. Since moving to the lightweight category, Pimblett has compiled an impressive record of 10 wins in 11 bouts, including his current nine-fight winning streak. His tenure in the UFC, which began in 2021, has seen him maintain a perfect 7-0 record within the organization. Pimblett’s versatile finishing abilities are reflected in his record: 10 of his 23 victories have been achieved via submission, seven by knockout, and six by decision, showcasing his diverse threat profile.

While Pimblett has secured championships in other promotions, UFC 324 represents his first title opportunity under the UFC banner. "The Baddy" has consistently delivered memorable performances, earning "Performance of the Night" bonuses in five of his last seven fights, including consecutive awards in his most recent appearances. An intriguing statistical detail for this contest is Pimblett’s unblemished 3-0 record in his MMA career when fighting in Las Vegas, contrasting with Gaethje’s 3-1 record in the same city. This fight presents a crucial litmus test for Pimblett, as he faces arguably his most formidable opponent to date in his pursuit of UFC gold, while Gaethje aims to thwart the rising star and reinforce his own championship credentials.

Co-Main Event and Undercard Previews

The bantamweight co-main event between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong is anticipated to be a high-octane striking battle. O’Malley, known for his precise counter-striking and significant reach, has established himself as one of the most exciting and dominant fighters in the division, recently claiming the undisputed Bantamweight title. Song Yadong, a product of Team Alpha Male, is recognized for his powerful boxing and aggressive, forward-moving pressure. With a well-rounded skill set and a proven ability to finish fights, Yadong represents a dangerous challenge to O’Malley’s championship reign. The outcome of this fight will undoubtedly have substantial implications for the bantamweight title landscape.

Further down the main card, a heavyweight clash features Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) against the veteran Derrick Lewis (+275). Cortes-Acosta, a former professional baseball player, brings athleticism and rapidly developing striking skills to the Octagon. He faces "The Black Beast" Derrick Lewis, renowned for his devastating one-punch knockout power and unpredictable fighting style, which positions him as a perpetual threat regardless of his opponent.

In the women’s flyweight division, Natalie Silva (-310) is slated to face former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (+250). Silva has been on an impressive run in the flyweight division, demonstrating crisp striking and robust grappling. Namajunas, a highly technical and mentally resilient fighter, will make her second appearance at flyweight, seeking to re-establish herself as a top contender in a new weight class. This bout holds considerable importance for the career trajectories of both athletes.

A featherweight contest between Arnold Allen (+170) and Jean Silva (-205) completes the main card. Daniel Vithlani of SportsLine has identified this fight as a key pick. Vithlani is backing Jean Silva, stating, "Silva’s 5-0 start to his UFC career came to a screeching halt in his last fight against featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes. 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 further elaborated on his rationale: "Allen is an active southpaw kickboxer and a capable grappler, but he won’t have the advantage on the ground like Lopes did. 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." This analysis reflects confidence in Silva’s power and potential for a strong rebound against a technically proficient but potentially less physically dominant opponent.

Vithlani’s complete range of detailed picks for the Gaethje vs. Pimblett main event and the entire UFC 324 card, including his choice for a fighter he describes as the "far more sophisticated striker" who he anticipates will be "teeing off" on their opponent, are accessible exclusively through SportsLine.

UFC 324 Main Fight Card, Odds (via DraftKings, subject to change):

Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-238) – Interim Lightweight Championship
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) – Women’s Flyweight Bout
Arnold Allen (+170) vs. Jean Silva (-205) – Featherweight Bout

This diverse fight card promises an evening of intense competition, featuring championship implications, the emergence of rising stars, and the enduring prowess of seasoned veterans, all poised to make a significant statement in the UFC’s inaugural major event of the year.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Ali Akbar Rosady

Latest entries

MMAMarch 12, 2026Las Vegas Set for UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Vie for Interim Lightweight Gold
MMAMarch 12, 2026Live blog: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Muhammad Mokaev
MMAMarch 12, 2026UFC 325: Featherweight Championship Rematch Dominates Sydney Card as Volkanovski Faces Lopes II
MMAMarch 12, 2026Arman Tsarukyan Secures Dominant Submission Victory Over Muhammad Mokaev at Hype Brazil

Or check our Popular Categories...

Or check our Popular Categories...