The highly anticipated interim lightweight title clash pits two of the division’s most compelling figures against each other. Paddy Pimblett, boasting a professional record of 23-3, enters the contest as the bookmakers’ favorite at -238 in the latest UFC 324 odds. The Liverpool native is currently riding an impressive nine-fight win streak, demonstrating a versatile skillset that has captivated audiences since his UFC debut in 2021. This bout represents Pimblett’s first opportunity to claim UFC gold, a significant milestone in his career trajectory. His opponent, Justin Gaethje, carries a record of 26-5 and is listed as the +195 underdog. Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion himself, has won three of his last four fights, consistently proving his mettle against the division’s elite. The over/under for total rounds in the main event is set at 2.5, with the ‘Over’ slightly favored at -120, suggesting expectations for a fight that could extend beyond the halfway point of the championship rounds.
The UFC 324 main card is scheduled to commence at 9 p.m. ET. In the co-main event, a high-stakes bantamweight encounter will see former champion Sean O’Malley face off against top-five contender Song Yadong. O’Malley, with an 18-3 record, is favored at -218, despite his recent loss of the bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 299. Yadong, holding a record of 22-8-1, is positioned as the +180 underdog, aiming to climb back into title contention with a victory over a prominent name.
For those looking to inform their betting decisions, SportsLine expert Daniel Vithlani has provided comprehensive MMA predictions and betting advice for UFC 324. Vithlani, a highly analytical UFC bettor, has established a consistent winning record for SportsLine members since his debut in January 2023. He notably commenced his tenure with a flawless 5-0 record for UFC 283 and has since accumulated over $1,500 in profits on his UFC main-card picks. His track record includes accurately predicting an upset victory for Sean O’Malley (+210) against Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292, contributing to a strong 4-1 performance on that main card. Furthermore, his selections for UFC 299 included successful underdog bets on Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130).
The broadcast transition of UFC numbered events to Paramount+ marks a significant shift for the promotion, making every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night available live to subscribers at no additional cost beyond their subscription fee. The platform also offers pre-fight docuseries, full-length fight replays, and an extensive archive of past fights, moving away from the traditional Pay-Per-View model for these premier events.
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Main Event Preview: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
Justin Gaethje, 37, brings a formidable background to the cage, rooted in amateur wrestling where he achieved NCAA All-American status at Northern Colorado. However, his professional mixed martial arts career has been defined by his explosive striking and 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, Gaethje has never lost a fight via decision, a testament to his aggressive, all-or-nothing fighting style.
Fighting out of Denver, Colorado, Gaethje is vying for his second interim UFC Lightweight Championship. His initial claim to interim gold came at UFC 249, where he secured a TKO victory over Tony Ferguson in a highly anticipated contest. Following this, he challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship but ultimately fell short. Gaethje received another shot at the undisputed title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 274, experiencing a similar outcome. More recently, Gaethje claimed the symbolic UFC "BMF" title with a spectacular knockout triumph over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most exciting competitors. His record in Las Vegas stands at 3-1, indicating a comfort level fighting under the bright lights of Sin City.
Paddy Pimblett, 31, developed his skills with a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making his professional debut at the tender age of 17 in his hometown of Liverpool, England. He competed in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions for over five years before making the permanent move to lightweight in 2018. Since transitioning to lightweight, Pimblett has compiled an impressive record of 10 wins in 11 bouts, including his current nine-fight winning streak. His tenure in the UFC, which began in 2021, has seen him maintain an undefeated 7-0 record within the promotion. Pimblett showcases a diverse finishing ability, with 10 of his 23 career victories coming by submission, seven by knockout, and six by decision.
While Pimblett has held championships in other promotions, UFC 324 marks his inaugural title opportunity under the UFC banner. His exciting fighting style and charismatic personality have earned him five "Performance of the Night" bonuses in his last seven fights, including in his two most recent outings. Pimblett also holds an unblemished 3-0 record in his MMA career when competing in Las Vegas. The matchup presents a classic clash of styles: Gaethje’s relentless striking pressure and knockout power against Pimblett’s improving stand-up and dangerous submission game. The fight is anticipated to test Gaethje’s takedown defense against Pimblett’s opportunistic grappling, as well as Pimblett’s ability to withstand Gaethje’s trademark power shots.
Co-Main Event and Undercard Highlights
Sean O’Malley’s encounter with Song Yadong carries significant implications for the bantamweight division. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and pinpoint accuracy, will look to rebound from his title loss to Merab Dvalishvili. His fluid movement and counter-striking will be tested by Yadong, a powerful and aggressive striker with solid fundamentals and an ability to finish fights. Yadong’s recent wins over Ricky Simon and Chris Gutierrez have cemented his position among the division’s elite, making this a pivotal matchup for both fighters.
The main card also features a heavyweight clash between Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) and Derrick Lewis (+275). Cortes-Acosta, a rising contender, faces the veteran knockout artist Lewis, who holds the record for most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history. This promises to be a stand-up battle where one punch could end the night. In the women’s flyweight division, Natalie Silva (-310) takes on former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (+250). Namajunas, a two-time strawweight queen, is looking to establish herself in the flyweight division, while Silva aims to continue her ascent with her sharp striking and grappling.
Another compelling featherweight bout features Arnold Allen (+170) against Jean Silva (-205). Daniel Vithlani, the SportsLine expert, has identified this as a key matchup, backing Jean Silva to defeat Allen. Vithlani noted, "Silva’s 5-0 start to his UFC career came to a screeching halt in his last fight against featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes. After finishing his first five UFC opponents, Silva was beat up and knocked out badly by Lopes in a nasty fight. Prior to that, Silva was emerging as the division’s fastest-rising prospect. I think he can get back to haunting his fellow featherweights, starting with Allen. Allen is an active southpaw kickboxer and a capable grappler, but he won’t have the advantage on the ground like Lopes did. Allen will need to stay on his lateral movement and try to out-volume Silva, but one big right hand or left hook from Silva could change this fight instantly."
The full UFC 324 main fight card and current odds are as follows:
- Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-238)
- Sean O’Malley (-218) vs. Song Yadong (+180)
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275)
- Natalie Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250)
- Arnold Allen (+170) vs. Jean Silva (-205)
These odds, provided by DraftKings, are subject to change as fight night approaches. The expert analysis from individuals like Daniel Vithlani, combined with the detailed breakdown of fighter styles and recent performances, offers valuable insights for enthusiasts and bettors engaging with the highly anticipated UFC 324 event.
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