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 should headline such an essential occasion, much less compete for the interim lightweight title.
But a number of factors led to fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of absence for individual reasons, top-ranked challenger Arman Tsarukyan is recuperating from a back injury and No. 2 Charles Oliveira and No. 3 Max Holloway are scheduled to combat each other at UFC 326 on March 7.
That does not imply, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an intriguing matchup. This might be the last bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who battles out of Denver.
"It ´ s been a hell of a trip," Gaethje stated. "I ´ m blessed to be given such substantial opportunities by the business. This is a big opportunity to be the centerpiece red (higher-ranked) corner of the very first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They know I ´ m the most constant guy, the most amazing guy, which ´ s probably 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 been versus him and it frequently hasn't worked out in his challenger's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, commemorates after defeating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 combined martial arts light-weight bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
It's that championship-level experience, the former lightweight champ said, that need to offer him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is contending in his first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be nice to have another legend ´ s name on me resume, "Pimblett stated. "It ´ s an honor to share the octagon with him. He ´ s someone I ´ ve been looking for 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 people you view. You want to eventually battle them and beat them."
He has been awaiting this minute since strolling into a health club at 15 and saying he would one day be a champ. Pimblett stated he got booted from the health club that day, but that didn't hinder him.
Though he stated training throughout the holiday season "destroyed my Christmas" and he would never ever set up another January fight, the wait and the work have actually deserved it.
"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the very first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It demonstrates how much the UFC believes me and Justin to place on a great battle, and it's world title battle. It would be crazy after 16 years for this to take place, and it's finally here."
Both fighters took popular oral shots at each other, however there does not seem to be any specific displeasure in between them.
"I believe he's truly excellent," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is insane. I believe anything can take place at any moment."
In the co-main occasion, third-ranked challenger Sean O'Malley (18-3) of Phoenix faces No. 5 Song Yadong (22-8-1) of China in a bantamweight fight.
The UFC had actually put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, but the organization signed a seven-year deal with Paramount in August that now airs those and other events on the subscription-based streaming service. CBS will simulcast some events.
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FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and Paddy Pimblett battle during a combined martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)