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 assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, but based strictly on rankings, it's questionable whether they need to heading such an essential event, much less complete for the interim light-weight title.


But a variety of elements led to fourth-ranked (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons, top-ranked challenger Arman Tsarukyan is recuperating from a back injury and No. 2 Charles Oliveira and No. 3 Max Holloway are arranged to eliminate each other at UFC 326 on March 7.


That does not imply, however, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing match. This might be the last 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 business. This is a substantial opportunity to be the main occasion red (higher-ranked) corner of the first Paramount card. I know they trust me. They understand I ´ m the most constant guy, the most amazing guy, which ´ s probably why I ´ m here.


"He enters familiar area 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 actually been versus him and it frequently hasn't worked out in his challenger's favor.


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


It's that championship-level experience, the previous light-weight champ stated, that must provide him a benefit over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is completing 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 somebody I ´ ve been watching for years and years. He ´ s had a few of the very best fights I ´ ve ever viewed in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this video game for, individuals you view. You want to eventually combat them and beat them."


He has been waiting for this moment because walking into a gym at 15 and saying he would one day be a champion. Pimblett stated he got booted from the gym that day, however that didn't discourage him.


Though he stated training during the holiday season "ruined my Christmas" and he would never schedule another January fight, the wait and the work have actually been worth it.


"It's an honor to be the primary occasion of the first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It demonstrates how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to put on an excellent fight, and it's world title fight. It would be insane after 16 years for this to happen, and it's lastly here."


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


"I believe he's really great," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is crazy. I believe anything can happen 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 battle.


The UFC had actually 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 events 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 blended martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)