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 first card on Paramount+.
It helps the UFC that both are fan favorites, but based strictly on rankings, it's doubtful whether they must heading such an essential event, much less complete for the interim lightweight title.
But a variety of factors led to fourth-ranked opposition Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champ Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of absence for individual factors, top-ranked challenger Arman Tsarukyan is recovering from a back injury and No. 2 Charles Oliveira and No. 3 Max Holloway are arranged to combat each other at UFC 326 on March 7.
That does not mean, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an interesting match. This might be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who fights 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 big chance to be the primary event red (higher-ranked) corner of the first Paramount card. I know they trust me. They know I ´ m the most constant guy, the most amazing guy, and that ´ 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 said this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the chances have protested him and it often hasn't exercised in his opponent's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after beating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 blended martial arts light-weight bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
It's that championship-level experience, the former light-weight champ said, that must provide him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is completing in his first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be good to have another legend ´ s name on me resume, "Pimblett said. "It ´ s an honor to share the octagon with him. He ´ s someone I ´ ve been seeing for years and years. He ´ s had a few of the very best fights I ´ ve ever watched in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this video game for, individuals you view. You desire to ultimately fight them and beat them."
He has actually been awaiting this minute because walking into a health club at 15 and saying he would one day be a champion. Pimblett stated he got booted from the health club that day, however that didn't hinder him.
Though he said training during the holiday "ruined my Christmas" and he would never ever arrange another January battle, the wait and the work have actually been worth it.
"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the first Paramount card," Pimblett stated. "It demonstrates how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to put on a good fight, and it's world title fight. It would be outrageous after 16 years for this to take place, and it's lastly here."
Both fighters took popular oral shots at each other, but there does not seem to be any particular displeasure between them.
"I think he's really great," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is insane. I believe anything can take place at any minute."
In the co-main occasion, third-ranked opposition Sean O'Malley (18-3) of Phoenix faces No. 5 Song Yadong (22-8-1) of China in a bantamweight battle.
The UFC had actually put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, but 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 occasions.
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FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and battle throughout a mixed martial arts fight at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)