TLDR
- Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on Saturday
- Pimblett enters as the betting favorite at -230 with a perfect 7-0 UFC record and nine-fight winning streak
- Gaethje, 26-5, is looking for one last title run after evolving from his aggressive early style to a more patient approach
- The interim title fight was created because champion Ilia Topuria is on hiatus and top contender Arman Tsarukyan is unavailable
- Sean O’Malley vs Yadong Song headlines the co-main event, with Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis also featured
Sources: Sherdog | Bloody Elbow
Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 324 this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event marks the start of the Paramount era for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The interim title fight became necessary because current champion Ilia Topuria is taking a break due to personal issues. Top contender Arman Tsarukyan is currently not in the UFC’s good graces, leaving Gaethje and Pimblett to compete for the belt.
Pimblett enters the fight as the betting favorite at -230, while Gaethje sits at +190. The Liverpool native holds a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC and is riding a nine-fight winning streak overall.
Pimblett’s Surprising Rise Through the Ranks
When Pimblett joined the UFC in 2021, most observers expected him to become a fan favorite but doubted his ability to reach contender status. His early fighting style involved charging forward with little defense, hoping to get to his wrestling and grappling game.
However, Pimblett has shown clear improvements in his recent fights. After a lackluster decision win over Tony Ferguson in 2023, he adopted a more cautious approach that paid off against Bobby Green and Michael Chandler.
His third-round finish of Chandler in his most recent bout proved the improvements were real. Pimblett, 23-3 overall, has shown better conditioning and a smarter tactical approach that forces opponents to make mistakes.
Gaethje came to the UFC in 2017 with a reputation for exciting fights rather than title potential. The former World Series of Fighting champion initially relied on constant pressure and wild exchanges.
After losses to Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier exposed the limits of that style, Gaethje changed his approach in 2020. He adopted a more patient, counter-striking style that earned him a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Veteran Experience vs Unbeaten Momentum
The new style has been a mixed bag for Gaethje, now 26-5. He has struggled when facing elite competition like Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway, who were able to use his patience against him.
But Gaethje has proven effective against the right opponents, with wins over Rafael Fiziev and a rematch victory over Poirier. At 36 years old, he’s looking for one last run at the undisputed championship.
The co-main event features former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley returning against Yadong Song. O’Malley holds an 18-3 record and is looking to bounce back after losing his title to Merab Dvalishvili.
The main card also includes heavyweight action between rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta and veteran Derrick Lewis. Cortes-Acosta brings a 16-2 record and has impressed with his athleticism and hand speed.
Top flyweight Natalia Silva will try to extend her 13-fight winning streak against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. Silva has recent wins over Alexa Grasso and Jessica Andrade.
The main card opener pits featherweights Arnold Allen against Jean Silva in what many analysts consider the best-matched fight on the entire card. Allen holds a 20-3 record while Silva enters at 16-3.
