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 phases its very first card on Paramount+.
It helps the UFC that both are fan favorites, however based strictly on rankings, it's doubtful whether they ought to headline such an essential occasion, much less complete for the interim light-weight title.
But a variety of factors caused fourth-ranked challenger (26-5) dealing with No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champ Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of lack for individual reasons, top-ranked opposition Arman Tsarukyan is recuperating 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 indicate, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing match. This might be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who combats out of Denver.
"It ´ s been a hell of a ride," Gaethje stated. "I ´ m blessed to be given such big opportunities by the company. This is a big chance to be the centerpiece red (higher-ranked) corner of the first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They know I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most exciting guy, and that ´ s probably why I ´ m here.
"He goes into familiar territory as the underdog. Pimblett, 31, is a -235 preferred at BetMGM Sportsbook, and Gaethje stated this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the odds have been versus him and it often hasn't exercised in his challenger's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, commemorates after defeating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 combined 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 an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is competing in his first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be nice 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 battles I ´ ve ever viewed in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, the people you watch. You wish to ultimately fight them and beat them."
He has actually been waiting for this moment given that walking into a health club at 15 and saying he would one day be a champ. Pimblett said he got booted from the fitness center that day, however that didn't discourage him.
Though he said training throughout the vacation season "ruined my Christmas" and he would never ever schedule another January battle, the wait and the work have been worth it.
"It's an honor to be the primary occasion of the first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It reveals how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to place on a good fight, and it's world title battle. It would be insane 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 appear to be any specific bitterness in between them.
"I think he's truly good," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is crazy. I believe anything can happen anytime."
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 fight.
The UFC had put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, however the company signed a seven-year deal with Paramount in August that now airs those and other occasions on the subscription-based streaming service. CBS will simulcast some events.
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FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and Paddy Pimblett battle throughout a combined martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)