Interim Lightweight Gold on the Line as Gaethje Meets Pimblett at UFC 324 in Las Vegas

The Ultimate Fighting Championship kicks off its year with a highly anticipated event, UFC 324, featuring a packed fight card culminating in a pivotal interim lightweight championship bout. The promotion’s debut on CBS and Paramount+ on Saturday will be headlined by a clash between seasoned veteran Justin Gaethje and surging contender Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. The event is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the main card commencing at 9 p.m. ET.

In the headlining attraction, Paddy Pimblett (23-3) enters the octagon as the betting favorite, currently priced at -239 in the latest UFC 324 odds. The Liverpudlian phenom is riding an impressive nine-fight winning streak, aiming to secure his first title within the promotion. Standing opposite him is Justin Gaethje (26-5), a former interim lightweight champion, who holds a +195 underdog status. Gaethje seeks to reclaim championship gold, having won three of his last four bouts.

The co-main event promises another electrifying contest, featuring a pair of top-five ranked bantamweights: Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. Despite experiencing back-to-back defeats, Sean O’Malley (18-3) is favored at -205, while Song Yadong (22-8-1) is listed at +170. Ahead of placing any wagers, expert analysis and betting advice for UFC 324, including comprehensive predictions for Gaethje vs. Pimblett and other matchups, are available from SportsLine expert Daniel Vithlani.

Vithlani, a recognized highly-analytical UFC bettor, has established a consistent winning record for SportsLine members since his debut in January 2023, where he posted a perfect 5-0 record for UFC 283. His insights have resulted in over $1,500 in profits on his UFC main-card sports betting picks. Notable successes include accurately predicting an upset victory for Sean O’Malley (+210) against Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292, contributing to a 4-1 main card performance. At UFC 299, Vithlani successfully backed underdogs Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130). His track record indicates a strong understanding of fighter dynamics and betting value across various matchups.

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Justin Gaethje, 37, brings a formidable wrestling background to the cage, having been an NCAA All-American at Northern Colorado. However, his professional mixed martial arts career has predominantly been defined by his devastating knockout power. Of his 26 career victories, an overwhelming 20 have come by way of knockout, with five decisions and only one submission win. His five professional defeats include three knockouts and two submissions, notably, he has never lost a fight by decision.

Fighting out of Denver, Colorado, Gaethje previously captured the interim UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 249, where he secured a TKO victory over Tony Ferguson. He subsequently challenged for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship, falling short against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Gaethje later had another opportunity to claim the title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 but was again unsuccessful. His recent achievements include holding the symbolic UFC "BMF" title, which he earned through a triumph over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Gaethje boasts a 3-1 professional record in Las Vegas.

Paddy Pimblett, 31, commenced his professional career at the age of 17 in his native Liverpool, England, where he quickly developed a reputation for his submission prowess, stemming from his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. After competing at bantamweight and featherweight for over five years, Pimblett transitioned to the lightweight division in 2018. Since then, he has compiled an impressive record of 10 wins in 11 bouts, including a current nine-fight winning streak. His tenure in the UFC, which began in 2021, has seen him achieve a perfect 7-0 record. Pimblett’s versatility is evident in his 23 career victories, which include 10 submissions, seven knockouts, and six decision wins.

While Pimblett has secured championships in other promotions, UFC 324 marks his inaugural title bout within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has consistently demonstrated his fight-ending abilities, earning "Performance of the Night" bonuses in five of his last seven UFC appearances, including his two most recent contests. Pimblett also maintains an undefeated 3-0 record in his MMA career when competing in Las Vegas.

Beyond the headline attractions, the UFC 324 card features several other compelling matchups. Daniel Vithlani’s expert analysis extends to the preliminary card, where he favors Nikita Krylov (+120) over Modestas Bukauskas (-142) in a light heavyweight encounter. Krylov (30-11), ranked No. 13 in the light heavyweight division, holds a significant experience and ranking advantage over the unranked Bukauskas (19-6). Vithlani highlights Krylov’s superior metrics in significant strikes landed per minute, striking accuracy, and takedown average. He also notes Bukauskas’s limited offensive diversity, with only one of his last 17 wins coming via submission, contrasting with Krylov’s double-digit submission and knockout victories.

Vithlani stated, "[Krylov] seems very focused in this training camp and is still only 33 years old. If Krylov can find his old form, his MMA game will be a lot more diverse than Bukauskas. If Krylov can mix in his grappling, he will threaten with chokes and ground and pound to win this fight."

The full UFC 324 main card, including current odds, is as follows:

Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-239)
Sean O’Malley (-205) vs. Song Yadong (+170)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-355) vs. Derrick Lewis (+270)
Natalie Silva (-355) vs. Rose Namajunas (+280)
Arnold Allen (+200) vs. Jean Silva (-245)

All UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Night events are available for live streaming at no additional cost with a Paramount+ subscription, marking a significant shift in broadcast accessibility. Subscribers can also access pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays, and an archive of past fights.

For comprehensive betting picks and detailed analysis on Gaethje vs. Pimblett and the entire UFC 324 card, including Vithlani’s prediction for a fighter he deems the "far more sophisticated striker" who will be "teeing off" on their opponent, individuals are encouraged to visit SportsLine.

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