UFC 324: Gaethje and Pimblett Vie for Interim Lightweight Gold as Expert Analyst Shares Crucial Insights

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight interim title is set to be fiercely contested as fourth-ranked Justin Gaethje faces off against fifth-ranked Paddy Pimblett in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett. The electrifying card will unfold this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking a significant moment for the division and the promotion’s new broadcast partnership. Early preliminary bouts are scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card slated to kick off at approximately 9 p.m. ET. This event also signifies the debut of UFC content on Paramount+, making the promotion’s premier events more accessible to subscribers.

Justin Gaethje, a formidable veteran known for his high-octane fighting style, enters this pivotal contest following a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last March. His opponent, the charismatic Paddy Pimblett, rides a wave of momentum after securing a third-round TKO win against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 this past April, a performance that solidified his standing as a rising force in the lightweight division.

Betting Lines and Key Matchups

According to the latest UFC 324 odds released by DraftKings Sportsbook, Paddy Pimblett is positioned as a -238 favorite, indicating a wager of $238 would be required to yield a $100 profit. Justin Gaethje, meanwhile, stands 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.

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Beyond the headlining act, the co-main event promises another thrilling encounter in the bantamweight division, featuring third-ranked Sean O’Malley against fifth-ranked Song Yadong. O’Malley is listed as the favorite at -218, with Yadong as the underdog at +180. The full main card features several other compelling matchups, including a heavyweight clash between Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) and Derrick Lewis (+275), a women’s flyweight bout pitting Natalie Silva (-310) against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (+250), and a featherweight contest with Arnold Allen (+170) taking on Jean Silva (-205).

Expert Analysis from Kyle Marley

For those seeking informed perspectives before finalizing their UFC 324 picks, SportsLine expert Kyle Marley has provided his comprehensive MMA predictions and betting advice. Marley, a seasoned MMA analyst, boasts an impressive track record of success, consistently delivering winning picks for SportsLine members over the past five years. Over the last three-plus years, $100 bettors who have followed Marley’s selections are reported to be up nearly $10,000, with total returns exceeding $21,000 since May 2018. His notable achievements include correctly predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s pandemic-induced hiatus, and a remarkable 9-2 record on his picks at the most recent UFC card.

Marley has meticulously analyzed the Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett showdown from every conceivable angle, alongside the other bouts on the UFC 324 card, to identify his top betting picks and best bets.

The New Era of UFC on Paramount+

UFC 324 also heralds a new era for fans, as the event marks the debut of UFC content on Paramount+. This groundbreaking partnership means that all numbered UFC events and UFC Fight Nights will be streamed live, at no additional cost, to Paramount+ subscribers. The platform will also host a wealth of supplementary content, including pre-fight docuseries, full-length fight replays, and an extensive archive of past fights. This move aims to eliminate traditional Pay-Per-View barriers, making the sport more accessible and offering a comprehensive viewing experience for enthusiasts.

Gaethje vs. Pimblett: A Detailed Preview

Justin Gaethje: The Highlight Reel

At 37 years old, Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje (26-5, 20 KOs, 1 Submission, 5 Decisions) has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the lightweight division. A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Gaethje transitioned to professional MMA in 2011, quickly amassing an undefeated 18-0 record before joining the UFC in 2017. His career in the octagon has been defined by a relentless, aggressive, and often brutal striking style that has earned him numerous "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses.

Gaethje’s recent form has been strong, with three wins in his last four outings, including his recent unanimous decision over Rafael Fiziev. Known for his powerful leg kicks and devastating hooks, Gaethje possesses one-punch knockout power and an iron will. His wrestling background, though often used defensively to maintain striking range, provides a crucial layer to his game. He is a former World Series of Fighting Lightweight Champion, successfully defending his title five times. In the UFC, he has been recognized with the 2021 and 2024 President’s Choice Fight of the Year awards, alongside nominations in 2019 and 2023, underscoring his consistent involvement in memorable battles. Gaethje’s journey to this interim title shot reflects his persistent pursuit of championship gold, consistently challenging the division’s elite.

Paddy Pimblett: The Baddy’s Ascent

Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, 31, has rapidly become one of the UFC’s most popular and polarizing figures since his debut in 2021. With an overall professional record of 23-3 (16-3 before UFC, 7-0 in UFC), Pimblett has demonstrated a versatile skill set across bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight. His 7-0 run in the UFC has been particularly impressive, garnering five Performance of the Night honors and captivating audiences with his unique blend of striking, grappling, and submission prowess.

Pimblett’s most recent triumph, a TKO victory over Michael Chandler, showcased his evolving striking game and ability to finish fights against top-tier competition. A former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion, Pimblett’s ground game is particularly potent, marked by opportunistic submissions. He was a 2021 UFC Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year nominee for his knockout win over Luigi Vendramini and earned the 2022 Breakout Fighter of the Year award by the World MMA Awards. In 2024, he also received the Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year for his victory over King Green. Pimblett’s rapid ascent and a loyal fan base have positioned him for this significant step up in competition, challenging one of the lightweight division’s most established forces.

Styles Make Fights: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Dynamics

The main event presents a classic clash of styles. Gaethje’s relentless pressure, powerful striking, and ability to absorb punishment will test Pimblett’s defensive capabilities and chin. Conversely, Pimblett’s slick grappling, opportunistic submissions, and improving striking could pose significant threats, particularly if he can get Gaethje to the canvas. Key factors in this bout will include Gaethje’s takedown defense against Pimblett’s offensive grappling, the cardio of both fighters in a potential five-round war, and the ability of each to dictate the pace and range of the fight. Pimblett being the favorite suggests that the betting market sees his youth, momentum, and well-rounded game as potentially overcoming Gaethje’s veteran experience and raw power.

Undercard Highlights and Expert Picks

Beyond the main and co-main events, the UFC 324 card features several other compelling bouts. In the women’s flyweight division, Natalie Silva (ranked #8) faces off against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (ranked #7 at flyweight). Marley has identified this as a key matchup, backing Natalie Silva (-310) to defeat Rose Namajunas (+250) via unanimous decision.

Providing insight into his pick, Marley stated, "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 suggests a belief in Silva’s current trajectory and stylistic advantages against Namajunas, who has faced challenges since moving up to flyweight.

In the heavyweight division, the explosive Derrick Lewis, known for his knockout power, takes on Waldo Cortes-Acosta. And in a crucial featherweight contest, Arnold Allen battles Jean Silva. Marley has also identified an underdog on the card whom he believes can "keep this fight close on the feet," urging those interested in his full breakdown to visit SportsLine for his complete analysis and betting recommendations.

Betting Opportunities for New Users

For those looking to engage with the betting action surrounding UFC 324, DraftKings Sportsbook is offering new users an incentive: $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 wager. Additionally, new users can leverage the latest Bet365 bonus code to claim $200 in bonus bets after placing an initial $5 bet. These promotions provide an accessible entry point for fans looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the UFC 324 event.

UFC 324 promises to be an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action, with high stakes, intriguing stylistic matchups, and the added excitement of expert predictions guiding the way. The interim lightweight title hanging in the balance ensures that the main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will be a must-watch affair, while the entire card offers a robust lineup of competitive fights.

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