UFC 324: Justin Gaethje Vs. Paddy Pimblett Headline First.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will be the faces of the UFC on Saturday when the premier organization in mixed-martial arts stages its very first card on Paramount+.


It assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, however based strictly on rankings, it's doubtful whether they must heading such a crucial occasion, much less contend for the interim lightweight title.


But a number of aspects led to fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champ Ilia Topuria has actually taken a leave of lack for individual factors, top-ranked opposition Arman Tsarukyan is recuperating from a back injury and No. 2 Charles Oliveira and No. 3 Max Holloway are set up to eliminate each other at UFC 326 on March 7.


That does not mean, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an interesting match. This could be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who combats out of Denver.


"It ´ s been a hell of a ride," Gaethje said. "I ´ m blessed to be provided such big opportunities by the company. This is a substantial opportunity to be the main event red (higher-ranked) corner of the very first Paramount card. I know they trust me. They know I ´ m the most constant guy, the most exciting guy, which ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.


"He goes into familiar territory as the underdog. Pimblett, 31, is a -235 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook, and Gaethje stated this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the chances have actually protested him and it frequently hasn't worked out in his opponent's favor.


FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after defeating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 mixed martial arts lightweight bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)


It's that championship-level experience, the former lightweight champ stated, that must give him a benefit over . The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is completing in his very first title bout.


"It ´ s going to be good to have another legend ´ s name on me resume, "Pimblett stated. "It ´ s an honor to share the octagon with him. He ´ s somebody I ´ ve been expecting years and years. He ´ s had some of the finest fights I ´ ve ever watched in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this video game for, the individuals you view. You wish to eventually battle them and beat them."


He has actually been waiting on this moment because walking into a gym at 15 and stating he would one day be a champ. Pimblett stated he got booted from the fitness center that day, however that didn't discourage him.


Though he said training during the holiday "destroyed my Christmas" and he would never arrange another January fight, the wait and the work have been worth it.


"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the very first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It demonstrates how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to put on a good battle, and it's world title fight. It would be insane after 16 years for this to occur, and it's finally here."


Both fighters took traditional oral chance ats each other, however there doesn't seem to be any particular displeasure between them.


"I believe he's truly excellent," Gaethje stated. "I think this sport is insane. I think anything can take place anytime."


In the co-main event, third-ranked opposition Sean O'Malley (18-3) of Phoenix faces No. 5 Song Yadong (22-8-1) of China in a bantamweight fight.


The UFC had put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, however the company signed a seven-year handle Paramount in August that now airs those and other occasions on the subscription-based streaming service. CBS will simulcast some events.


AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports


FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and Paddy Pimblett battle throughout a mixed martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)