UFC 324 Readies for Las Vegas Return, Interim Lightweight Title on the Line.

After a six-week hiatus, a notable pause for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in recent years, the promotion returns to action with UFC 324. The event, hosted at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 24, is set to deliver a high-stakes night, featuring an interim lightweight title clash between fan favorites Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. This pivotal main event marks a golden opportunity for both fighters, neither of whom were considered immediate title contenders a year prior. However, with undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria currently on a personal hiatus, the stage is set for an interim champion to emerge. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that the winner of this bout will likely face Topuria next, adding significant weight to the contest.

The co-main event promises substantial contender implications in the bantamweight division, pitting former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley against the formidable Song Yadong. Despite O’Malley currently navigating a two-fight losing skid, the context of those defeats against Merab Dvalishvili suggests a mere bump in the road for "The Suga Show." A vintage striking performance from O’Malley could very well pave the way for a highly anticipated rematch against Petr Yan.

Further enriching the main card, heavyweights Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis are slated for a bout with low-key contender implications, while flyweights Natalia Silva and Rose Namajunas will clash in a contest carrying significant championship aspirations. Additionally, Arnold Allen and Jean Silva are set to deliver what is anticipated to be a thrilling featherweight encounter. The event kicks off with a three-fight early preliminary card at 5:30 p.m. ET, followed by a four-fight preliminary card at 7 p.m. ET. The five-fight main card commences at 9 p.m. ET, with the entire event streaming live on Paramount+.

Main Card Predictions and Analysis

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Justin Gaethje (5) vs. Paddy Pimblett (T11)

The interim lightweight championship bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is shrouded in numerous narratives that could influence perception. Gaethje, "The Highlight," is widely recognized for his aggressive striking and iron chin, a style that has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. His career has seen him challenge the division’s elite, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, and he holds notable victories over Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler. Pimblett, "The Baddy," has rapidly ascended through the ranks, captivating audiences with his charismatic personality and submission prowess. His standing at T11 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings reflects his growing influence in the division, albeit with some criticism regarding the quality of his opposition in previous bouts.

On paper, Gaethje presents a formidable challenge. His striking pedigree is among the best in the lightweight division, and his wrestling defense has proven difficult to overcome for all but the most elite grapplers, such as Nurmagomedov and Oliveira. Pimblett, while possessing raw power and a dangerous ground game, would need to demonstrate an unprecedented level of grappling to dominate Gaethje on the mat. Furthermore, the prospect of Pimblett out-striking Gaethje for a full 25 minutes appears unlikely given Gaethje’s experience and precision on the feet. Despite Pimblett’s potential as a future title contender, the prevailing sentiment suggests this fight will be a significant test for his championship aspirations. The prediction is for Gaethje to control the striking exchanges and secure a victory, potentially becoming the first fighter to claim the interim UFC lightweight title on two occasions.

Predicted Winner: Justin Gaethje

Sean O’Malley (5) vs. Song Yadong (8)

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley steps into the Octagon with the objective of reigniting his title campaign against the dangerous Song Yadong. O’Malley, known as "The Suga Show," is currently on a two-fight losing streak, having faced Merab Dvalishvili twice in a challenging period. However, these losses occurred after his championship reign, and the context often highlights Dvalishvili’s unique, smothering style rather than a decline in O’Malley’s overall skill. O’Malley’s striking artistry, evasiveness, and considerable reach advantage remain potent weapons. There have been discussions regarding O’Malley’s focus, with some suggesting a diversion towards social media endeavors, but his competitive drive for another title run is expected to bring out his best performance.

Song Yadong, a powerful striker with a strong grappling base, possesses the tools to challenge O’Malley significantly. His ability to deliver fight-ending blows and integrate wrestling into his game could be crucial in disrupting O’Malley’s rhythm. However, O’Malley’s distinct reach advantage and his proven ability to avoid significant strikes make him a difficult target. His defensive grappling, particularly against non-elite wrestlers, has also been commendable. While Song’s pure punching power is undeniable, O’Malley’s accuracy and precision give him a strong chance to land a decisive blow. Should Song manage to establish an aggressive pace early and deny O’Malley space, the fight could become a back-and-forth affair. However, the more probable outcome is O’Malley utilizing his technical striking to dismantle Song, leading to a finish in the second or third round, or a comfortable decision victory.

Predicted Winner: Sean O’Malley

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (7) vs. Derrick Lewis (13)

This heavyweight clash pits the rising momentum of Waldo Cortes-Acosta against the enduring power of veteran Derrick Lewis. Cortes-Acosta, affectionately known as "Salsa Boy," has enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, transforming from an under-the-radar fighter to a beloved heavyweight contender. His activity was remarkable, securing four wins in five fights last year, including two in November alone. More importantly, he found his finishing touch, tallying three knockouts and garnering significant attention.

Derrick Lewis, "The Black Beast," defies conventional career trajectories in combat sports. Approaching his 41st birthday, Lewis has repeatedly demonstrated an uncanny ability to remain relevant despite numerous opportunities to fade from the spotlight. His unique blend of devastating knockout power and often-viral post-fight antics has kept him a fan favorite and a dangerous opponent. Lewis has a history of derailing hype trains, a factor that looms large in this matchup. Cortes-Acosta is a skilled and promising heavyweight, possessing a solid boxing background and increasing confidence. However, Lewis’s ability to absorb punishment and deliver a single fight-ending shot, often from unexpected positions, makes him a perpetual threat. Given Lewis’s track record of upsetting favored opponents, particularly when written off, the prediction leans towards the veteran using his signature power to secure a knockout victory.

Predicted Winner: Derrick Lewis

Natalia Silva (3, P4P-7) vs. Rose Namajunas (9, P4P-14)

The flyweight division will see a compelling contest between Natalia Silva and former two-time Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas. Namajunas, "Thug Rose," has shown flashes of her championship form since moving to the 125-pound division, often appearing more dangerous when cast as the challenger. While finishes have eluded her at flyweight since her iconic head-kick knockout of Zhang Weili in 2021, she has demonstrated competitiveness against top-tier opponents like Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot, and convincingly defeated mid-tier flyweights such as Amanda Ribas, Tracy Cortez, and Miranda Maverick. There remains a discernible "championship-quality" presence in Namajunas’s game.

However, Natalia Silva, "Natty Ice," presents a challenge with her own championship-caliber abilities, arguably in their prime. Silva has been a popular choice among MMA analysts to potentially dethrone the long-reigning Valentina Shevchenko or claim a vacant title. Her youth, natural fit at flyweight, and exceptional striking expertise provide significant physical advantages. Namajunas is not expected to be outclassed, but Silva’s speed and precision are anticipated to consistently allow her to land strikes first. Namajunas’s historical reliance on submissions has waned in recent years, making a grappling-based finish against Silva seem less likely. Silva’s combination of physical attributes and refined striking skills is predicted to be too much for the always-game Namajunas to overcome, with Silva securing a decision victory.

Predicted Winner: Natalia Silva

Arnold Allen (7) vs. Jean Silva (8)

The featherweight division offers a potential "Fight of the Year" candidate with Arnold Allen facing Jean Silva. Both fighters enter this bout with significant motivation. Allen, "Almighty," is keen to rebound and make up for lost time after recent setbacks, aiming to prove his elite standing. He is known as a smart, tactical fighter who selectively pushes the pace, having given tough tests to top contenders like Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev. While he has faced criticism for a lack of finishes and not yet winning a "big one," his technical prowess and resilience are undeniable.

Jean Silva, an emotionally charged Brazilian fighter, is equally determined to re-fortify his contender case after suffering his first UFC loss and observing Diego Lopes secure a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski. Silva possesses genuine knockout power, capable of ending any fight at 145 pounds with a single strike. One misstep from Allen could lead to an immediate finish, quickly propelling Silva back into the conversation for a title shot. However, Allen is renowned for his disciplined approach and minimizing errors. The expectation is for Allen to maintain his composure and strategic striking, leading to a tense three-round affair. The prediction favors Allen to secure a decision victory, showcasing his calculated fighting style.

Predicted Winner: Arnold Allen

Additional Preliminary Card Predictions:

Umar Nurmagomedov (3) is predicted to defeat Deiveson Figueiredo (7).
Ateba Gautier is predicted to defeat Andrey Pulyaev.
Modestas Bukauskas is predicted to defeat Nikita Krylov (14).
Charles Johnson is predicted to defeat Alex Perez (12).
Alexander Hernandez is predicted to defeat Michael Johnson.
Josh Hokit is predicted to defeat Denzel Freeman.
Ty Miller is predicted to defeat Adam Fugitt.

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