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 very first card on Paramount+.
It assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, however based strictly on rankings, it's questionable whether they need to headline such an essential occasion, much less compete for the interim lightweight title.
But a number of factors led to fourth-ranked opposition Gaethje (26-5) facing 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 set up to battle each other at UFC 326 on March 7.
That doesn't indicate, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing matchup. This might be the last bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who combats out of Denver.
"It ´ s been a hell of a trip," Gaethje stated. "I ´ m blessed to be provided such huge chances by the business. This is a big chance to be the primary occasion red (higher-ranked) corner of the very first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They know I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most exciting guy, and that ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.
"He enters familiar area as the underdog. Pimblett, 31, is a -235 preferred at BetMGM Sportsbook, and Gaethje said this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the odds have actually protested 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 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 must provide him a benefit over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is completing in his very first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be great 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 some of the very best fights I ´ ve ever viewed in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this video game for, individuals you enjoy. You wish to eventually battle them and beat them."
He has actually been awaiting this minute given that strolling into a health club at 15 and saying he would one day be a champion. Pimblett stated he got booted from the health club that day, but that didn't prevent him.
Though he said training throughout the holiday "ruined my Christmas" and he would never ever arrange another January fight, the wait and the work have actually deserved it.
"It's an honor to be the main occasion of the first Paramount card," Pimblett stated. "It reveals how much the UFC believes 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 occur, and it's finally here."
Both fighters took popular oral chance ats each other, but there doesn't appear to be any specific animosity in between them.
"I think he's truly excellent," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is crazy. I believe anything can happen at any moment."
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 handle Paramount in August that now airs those and other occasions on the subscription-based streaming service. CBS will simulcast some occasions.
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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)