Ali Akbar RosadyThe Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) descends upon the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday night, presenting a stacked fight card headlined by a highly anticipated interim lightweight championship bout between two of the division’s most explosive competitors, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The event, UFC 324, also features a pivotal bantamweight clash in the co-main event as Sean O’Malley seeks to solidify his claim for a title shot against the dangerous Song Yadong. The card is set to unfold across three distinct segments, commencing with early prelims before transitioning to the preliminary card and concluding with the main card, all broadcast on Paramount+.
The interim lightweight championship bout carries significant implications for the crowded 155-pound division. Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje, known for his relentless pressure and devastating striking, enters the octagon with a professional record of 25 wins and 4 losses. His recent performances underscore his standing as an elite contender, having secured three victories in his last five outings. Gaethje’s career is marked by a string of "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses, testament to his fan-friendly, all-action style. A former interim lightweight champion, Gaethje has faced and defeated some of the sport’s biggest names, including Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Tony Ferguson. His path to this interim title opportunity has been paved with highlight-reel knockouts and gritty decisions, demonstrating a refined striking game complemented by his collegiate wrestling background, which he often utilizes defensively. A victory for Gaethje would not only crown him interim champion once more but would also position him for a unification bout against the undisputed lightweight king.
Across from Gaethje stands the charismatic Liverpudlian, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett. Pimblett, boasting an impressive professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining the UFC. He remains undefeated inside the Octagon with a perfect 7-0 record, extending his overall winning streak to nine consecutive fights. Pimblett’s appeal stems from his outspoken personality and a submission-heavy grappling style, often complemented by developing striking. His recent victories over opponents such as Tony Ferguson, Jared Gordon, and Jordan Leavitt have showcased his ability to finish fights and captivate audiences, making him one of the sport’s fastest-growing stars. While some analysts have questioned the speed of his ascent to an interim title shot, citing the caliber of his previous opposition, his undeniable popularity and consistent finishing ability have propelled him into this high-stakes encounter. For Pimblett, claiming the interim title would validate his rapid rise and silence critics, marking a monumental achievement in his relatively young UFC career. The stylistic clash between Gaethje’s disciplined striking and wrestling defense against Pimblett’s aggressive grappling and evolving stand-up promises a compelling main event.
In the co-main event, the bantamweight division takes center stage as Sean "Suga" O’Malley (18-1, 1 NC) faces off against Song "Kung Fu Kid" Yadong (21-7-1, 1 NC). This bout is widely regarded as a de facto number one contender fight, with the winner poised for a potential shot at the bantamweight championship. O’Malley, the former bantamweight champion, aims to rebound from his recent title loss and reassert his dominance. Known for his flashy striking, pinpoint accuracy, and knockout power, O’Malley’s unique style has garnered him a massive following. His recent performances, including a thrilling TKO victory over Aljamain Sterling to win the title, have showcased his elite striking and defensive movement. Song Yadong, a formidable contender from China, brings a powerful and well-rounded game to the Octagon. With a reputation for heavy hands and relentless pressure, Yadong has consistently proven himself against top-tier competition, most recently securing a decisive victory over Chris Gutierrez. This matchup pits O’Malley’s technical striking and range control against Yadong’s aggressive power and durability, promising a high-octane affair with significant divisional implications.
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The main card features several other compelling matchups designed to deliver action. In the heavyweight division, Waldo Cortes-Acosta (11-1) is scheduled to meet the perennial fan-favorite Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis (27-12, 1 NC). Cortes-Acosta, with his boxing background, looks to continue his climb against the hard-hitting Lewis, known for his devastating knockout power and record for most KOs in UFC heavyweight history. Lewis, despite a recent mixed record, remains a dangerous opponent capable of ending any fight with a single punch.
The women’s strawweight division will see former two-time champion Rose "Thug" Namajunas (12-6) return to action against the surging Natalia Silva (17-5-1). Namajunas, celebrated for her technical striking and submission prowess, seeks to regain her championship form after a period of mixed results. Silva, riding an impressive nine-fight winning streak, including five in the UFC, presents a significant challenge with her dynamic striking and grappling. This fight is crucial for both, with Namajunas aiming for a title resurgence and Silva looking for a signature win to propel her into title contention.
Rounding out the main card is a featherweight clash between Arnold "Almighty" Allen (19-3) and Jean Silva (12-2). Allen, a highly ranked contender, looks to bounce back from his recent losses against top-tier opponents and reaffirm his place in the division. Known for his crisp striking and defensive capabilities, Allen faces a tough test in Jean Silva, a rising prospect with a reputation for aggressive striking and finishing fights.
The preliminary card features additional matchups of note, commencing at 7 p.m. ET on Paramount+. A standout bout includes the bantamweight clash between the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0), cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and former flyweight champion Deiveson "Deus da Guerra" Figueiredo (23-3-1). Nurmagomedov represents the next generation of Dagestani grappling dominance, while Figueiredo brings his aggressive striking and submission game, making this a pivotal fight for the bantamweight landscape. Other prelims include Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev in the middleweight division, Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas in a light heavyweight encounter, and Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson at flyweight.
The early preliminary card, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+, will kick off the night’s action. Notable bouts include Michael Johnson (21-19) facing Alexander Hernandez (14-7) in a lightweight contest, promising an exciting stand-up battle between two experienced veterans. Josh Hokit (11-2) meets Denzel Freeman (11-1) at heavyweight, and Adam Fugitt (9-4) takes on Ty Miller (9-3) in a welterweight bout.
However, the event has seen one unfortunate cancellation. The bantamweight fight between Ricky Turcios and Cameron Smotherman was called off after Smotherman fainted on stage during the official weigh-ins. This incident underscores the extreme physical demands and health risks associated with rigorous weight cutting in combat sports, prompting concerns for fighter safety. Medical personnel immediately attended to Smotherman, and the decision to cancel the bout was made to prioritize the fighter’s well-being.
With a blend of high-stakes championship action, pivotal contender matchups, and intriguing stylistic clashes across all three cards, UFC 324 is set to deliver a night of intense mixed martial arts competition from the fight capital of the world.
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MMAJanuary 24, 2026Interim Lightweight Gold on the Line as Gaethje Meets Pimblett at UFC 324 in Las Vegas
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