UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Square Off for Interim Lightweight Title, Expert Predictions Unveiled for Las Vegas Showdown

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host a pivotal event this Saturday, October 26, as Justin Gaethje, ranked fourth in the lightweight division, faces off against the fifth-ranked Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. The highly anticipated main event will headline UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The early preliminary bouts are scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card expected to begin around 9 p.m. ET. This event also marks a significant milestone for the promotion, as it will be the debut UFC event broadcast on Paramount+, signifying a new era for how fans can access the sport.

Gaethje, known for his relentless pressure and fan-friendly fighting style, enters the Octagon following a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last March. His opponent, Pimblett, often referred to as "The Baddy," secured a third-round TKO win against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, further solidifying his rapid ascent within the lightweight ranks.

According to the latest UFC 324 odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, Paddy Pimblett is positioned as a -238 favorite, indicating that a bet of $238 would be required to yield a $100 profit. Conversely, Justin Gaethje is listed as a +195 underdog, meaning a $100 wager on Gaethje would return a $195 profit if he wins. The over/under for total rounds in the main event is set at 2.5, with the ‘Over’ priced at -120 and the ‘Under’ at -110.

Beyond the headlining act, the co-main event features a compelling bantamweight clash between third-ranked Sean O’Malley and fifth-ranked Song Yadong. O’Malley is favored at -218, while Yadong is the underdog at +180. Prospective bettors seeking informed decisions for UFC 324 are advised to consult the mixed martial arts (MMA) predictions and betting advice offered by SportsLine expert Kyle Marley, whose consistent track record has garnered significant attention within the betting community.

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Marley’s analytical prowess has translated into substantial gains for those who have followed his selections. Over the past three years, $100 bettors who have adhered to Marley’s advice have collectively seen returns approaching $10,000. Since May 2018, his total profits have exceeded $21,000. The seasoned MMA analyst has delivered consistent winners to SportsLine members for half a decade. Notably, in 2020, following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, Marley accurately predicted five consecutive main-event underdog victories. More recently, he achieved a 9-2 record on his picks from the preceding UFC card, underscoring his current form and insight.

Marley has conducted an exhaustive study of the Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett matchup from various analytical perspectives, subsequently revealing his top betting picks and best bets for the event. Access to his complete analysis and predictions is available through SportsLine.

The broadcasting landscape for the UFC has undergone a notable transformation with the integration of Paramount+. This development means that Pay-Per-View events, traditionally a separate purchase for fans, have been eliminated for numbered UFC events and UFC Fight Nights. Subscribers to Paramount+ can now stream every such event live at no additional cost beyond their subscription. The platform also offers a comprehensive library of related content, including pre-fight docuseries, full-length replays of past events, and an extensive archive of historical fights. This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility and provide a more integrated viewing experience for UFC enthusiasts.

Gaethje vs. Pimblett Preview and Fighter Profiles

Justin Gaethje, at 37 years old, has maintained a high level of performance, securing three victories in his last four bouts. "The Highlight" earned the moniker through his aggressive, high-pressure striking style, often engaging in exchanges that earn him fight-of-the-night bonuses. His formidable wrestling background, stemming from an NCAA Division I All-American career, provides a crucial defensive layer, though he primarily opts to showcase his striking. Gaethje initiated his professional MMA journey in 2011, compiling an undefeated 18-0 record before making his highly anticipated UFC debut in 2017. His overall professional record stands at 26 wins and 5 losses, with an impressive 20 victories by knockout, one by submission, and five by decision.

Gaethje’s career has been punctuated by numerous accolades within the UFC. He was a recipient of the President’s Choice Fight of the Year award in both 2021 and 2024, and a nominee in 2019 and 2023, reflecting his consistent involvement in memorable, action-packed contests. Prior to joining the UFC, he held the lightweight championship in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), successfully defending his title five times. His amateur career also saw him go undefeated with a 7-0 record, including four knockout wins. His recent unanimous decision over Rafael Fiziev was a testament to his tactical evolution, showcasing a more controlled aggression while still delivering significant damage.

Paddy Pimblett, 31, known affectionately as "The Baddy," commenced his professional career in October 2012, initially competing as a bantamweight. His versatility has seen him compete across various weight classes, including catchweight, featherweight, and lightweight. Before his UFC signing in 2021, Pimblett established a strong record of 16 wins and 3 losses. Since joining the premier MMA organization, he has maintained an unblemished 7-0 record, a streak that has been largely fueled by his charismatic personality and dynamic fighting style.

Pimblett’s UFC tenure has been marked by significant recognition, including five Performance of the Night bonuses, highlighting his ability to deliver decisive and entertaining finishes. In 2021, his knockout victory over Luigi Vendramini earned him a nomination for the UFC Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year. The World MMA Awards recognized him as the Breakout Fighter of the Year in 2022, signaling his emergence as a prominent figure in the sport. More recently, his impressive submission victory over King Green garnered the 2024 Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year award. Prior to his UFC success, Pimblett also achieved championship status as a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, demonstrating his pedigree in regional promotions. His TKO victory over Michael Chandler, a highly respected veteran, marked a significant step up in competition and underscored his potential as a top contender.

The stylistic clash between Gaethje and Pimblett presents a fascinating dynamic. Gaethje’s relentless forward pressure, powerful leg kicks, and boxing combinations will test Pimblett’s defensive capabilities and chin. Pimblett, on the other hand, possesses a dangerous grappling game, particularly his submission skills, which could pose a threat if he can get Gaethje to the ground. His striking has also shown marked improvement, as evidenced by his recent TKO. The interim title adds another layer of intensity, as both fighters will be looking to stake their claim for a shot at undisputed gold.

UFC 324 Predictions and Undercard Highlights

Among Kyle Marley’s notable UFC 324 predictions, he is backing Natalie Silva (-310) to secure a unanimous decision victory over Rose Namajunas (+250) in a main card bout. Marley articulated his reasoning, stating, "Silva is on her way to the title, and Rose is on the decline. Both fighters are well-rounded, but I expect da Silva to have the higher pace and keep this fight standing. I will pick da Silva to win 2-3 rounds here, and I’d rather bet her decision prop." This analysis underscores a belief in Silva’s current form and aggressive style against the former champion.

Marley’s comprehensive analysis extends to other significant matchups on the UFC 324 card. He has also identified an underdog whom he believes can "keep this fight close on the feet," suggesting a potential upset opportunity for discerning bettors. His full list of picks and detailed rationale for all bouts on the UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett card are exclusively available on SportsLine.

UFC 324 Main Fight Card and Odds (Subject to Change):

  • Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-238) – Interim Lightweight Title Bout
  • 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

For those interested in exploring additional betting opportunities, new users can also leverage the latest bet365 bonus code to receive $200 in bonus bets after placing an initial $5 wager.

The stage is set for UFC 324 to deliver an evening of high-stakes action, with the interim lightweight title on the line and several compelling matchups across the card. The shift to Paramount+ as the primary broadcast platform marks a significant evolution in fan access, further broadening the reach of one of the world’s leading combat sports organizations. As the fighters prepare to enter the Octagon, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to witness the outcomes of these critical contests.

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