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 company in mixed-martial arts phases its first card on Paramount+.


It assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, however based strictly on rankings, it's whether they must heading such a crucial event, much less contend for the interim lightweight title.


But a number of aspects led to fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) dealing with No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of lack for individual factors, top-ranked challenger Arman Tsarukyan is recuperating from a back injury and No. 2 Charles Oliveira and No. 3 Max Holloway are arranged to battle each other at UFC 326 on March 7.


That does not imply, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an interesting 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 ride," Gaethje said. "I ´ m blessed to be provided such big opportunities by the company. This is a substantial opportunity to be the centerpiece 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, which ´ s most likely 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 often hasn't worked out in his opponent's favor.


FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after defeating 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 lightweight champ stated, that ought to offer him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is contending in his very first title bout.


"It ´ s going to be good 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 expecting years and years. He ´ s had a few of the very best fights I ´ ve ever enjoyed in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, the people you view. You wish to eventually battle them and beat them."


He has actually been awaiting this minute because strolling into a gym at 15 and saying he would one day be a champion. Pimblett stated he got booted from the fitness center that day, however that didn't hinder him.


Though he stated training throughout the vacation season "ruined my Christmas" and he would never ever schedule another January fight, the wait and the work have deserved it.


"It's an honor to be the primary event of the very first Paramount card," Pimblett stated. "It demonstrates 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 happen, and it's finally here."


Both fighters took traditional oral shots at each other, however there does not appear to be any particular displeasure between them.


"I believe he's truly excellent," Gaethje stated. "I think this sport is crazy. I think anything can take place anytime."


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 handle Paramount in August that now airs those and other occasions on the subscription-based streaming service. CBS will simulcast some occasions.


AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports


FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and Paddy Pimblett fight during a blended martial arts fight at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)