UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Collide for Interim Lightweight Title in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host a pivotal interim lightweight title bout this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena, featuring a highly anticipated clash between fourth-ranked Justin Gaethje and fifth-ranked Paddy Pimblett. The fight, headlining UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, carries significant implications for the division’s championship picture. This event also marks a notable shift in UFC broadcasting, making its debut as a numbered event on Paramount+. Early preliminary fights are scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card slated for an approximate 9 p.m. ET start.

Justin Gaethje, known for his aggressive, high-pressure fighting style, enters the Octagon following a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March. His opponent, Paddy Pimblett, secured a TKO win in the third round against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 last April, further cementing his rapid ascent in the lightweight ranks.

Current betting lines from DraftKings Sportsbook position Pimblett as a -238 favorite, meaning a wager of $238 is required to yield a $100 profit. Gaethje, meanwhile, is listed as the underdog at +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 of UFC 324 features a bantamweight contest between third-ranked Sean O’Malley, favored at -218, and fifth-ranked Song Yadong, who is at +180. These odds reflect the competitive nature expected across the card.

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SportsLine’s seasoned MMA analyst, Kyle Marley, has provided his insights and betting selections for UFC 324. Marley’s track record includes nearly $10,000 in profits for $100 bettors over the past three years, and a return of over $21,000 since May 2018. His past successes include accurately predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 and achieving a 9-2 record on his picks for the most recent UFC card.

Fighter Profiles and Recent Form

Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC)
At 37 years old, Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje has established himself as one of the most exciting and formidable competitors in the lightweight division. A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Gaethje transitioned to professional mixed martial arts in 2011. He began his career with an impressive 18-0 record before joining the UFC in 2017. His fighting philosophy centers on relentless forward pressure, powerful striking, and a willingness to engage in high-octane exchanges, which has earned him numerous "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses.

Of his 26 career victories, 20 have come by knockout, showcasing his concussive power. He also holds one submission win and five decision victories. Gaethje’s accolades include being the 2021 and 2024 President’s Choice Fight of the Year winner, alongside nominations in 2019 and 2023. Prior to his UFC tenure, he was a dominant force in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), where he held the lightweight championship and successfully defended his title five times. As an amateur, Gaethje compiled a 7-0 record, with four wins by knockout. His recent run of form includes winning three of his last four bouts, most notably his decisive performance against Rafael Fiziev, which underscored his technical improvements and ability to maintain a high pace.

Paddy Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC)
Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, 31, began his professional MMA journey in October 2012, competing across bantamweight, catchweight, featherweight, and lightweight divisions. Before joining the UFC in 2021, Pimblett amassed a 16-3 record. Since his UFC debut, he has remained undefeated with a 7-0 record, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike with his charismatic personality and submission prowess.

Pimblett has earned five "Performance of the Night" honors during his UFC career, a testament to his finishing ability and exciting style. His knockout win over Luigi Vendramini in 2021 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. Pimblett also received the 2024 Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year for his victory over King Green, highlighting his dangerous ground game. Prior to the UFC, he was a Cage Warriors featherweight champion, a title he successfully defended. His recent TKO win over Michael Chandler demonstrated his striking development and ability to finish elite competition.

UFC 324 Main Card and Betting Odds

Beyond the main event, the UFC 324 main card features several compelling matchups:

  • Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-238)
  • Sean O’Malley (-218) vs. Song Yadong (+180): This bantamweight clash pits two top-ranked contenders against each other, with significant implications for the division’s title picture. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking, faces the powerful and durable Yadong.
  • Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275): A heavyweight encounter featuring the rising Cortes-Acosta against the veteran knockout artist Lewis.
  • Natalie Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250): A women’s flyweight bout. SportsLine expert Kyle Marley has predicted a unanimous decision victory for Silva, citing her higher pace and ability to keep the fight standing against Namajunas, a former strawweight champion.
  • Arnold Allen (+170) vs. Jean Silva (-205): A featherweight contest that promises fast-paced action.

Expert Predictions and Betting Insights

Kyle Marley, after thoroughly analyzing the Gaethje vs. Pimblett matchup and the entire UFC 324 card, has released his top betting picks and best bets. In addition to his pick for Natalie Silva, Marley has identified an underdog on the card whom he believes can maintain a close fight on the feet, offering value for bettors. His full analysis, including how he sees the Gaethje vs. Pimblett main event concluding, is available through SportsLine.

For those interested in placing wagers on the event, DraftKings Sportsbook is offering new users $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 wager. Additionally, new users can utilize the latest bet365 bonus code to receive $200 in bonus bets after placing a $5 qualifying bet.

UFC Broadcasting Shift to Paramount+

UFC 324 marks a significant transition for the promotion’s numbered events, as they will now be streamed live on Paramount+ at no additional cost for subscribers, effectively ending the traditional Pay-Per-View model for these marquee cards. This move aims to make UFC content more accessible to a broader audience. Paramount+ subscribers will also gain access to pre-fight docuseries, full-length fight replays, and an archive of past UFC events, enhancing the overall viewing experience. This shift represents a strategic change in how UFC events are delivered to fans, moving towards a subscription-based streaming model for its premium content.

The stage is set for a high-stakes night of mixed martial arts in Las Vegas, with the interim lightweight title hanging in the balance and a full card of competitive matchups.

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