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 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 should heading such an essential event, much less compete for the interim lightweight title.
But a variety of aspects resulted in fourth-ranked opposition Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champ Ilia Topuria has actually taken a leave of absence for personal reasons, top-ranked opposition Arman Tsarukyan is recovering 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 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 trip," Gaethje said. "I ´ m blessed to be given such big chances by the business. This is a substantial opportunity to be the main occasion red (higher-ranked) corner of the very first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They understand I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most amazing 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 said this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the chances have actually protested him and it typically hasn't exercised in his challenger's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, commemorates 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 light-weight champ stated, that should provide him a benefit over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is contending in his very first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be great 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 expecting 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 game for, individuals you view. You want to ultimately fight them and beat them."
He has been waiting for this minute because walking into a health club at 15 and saying he would one day be a champ. Pimblett said he got booted from the health club that day, but that didn't hinder him.
Though he said training during the holiday 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 centerpiece of the very first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It shows how much the UFC believes me and Justin to put on an excellent fight, and it's world title fight. It would be crazy after 16 years for this to happen, and it's lastly here."
Both fighters took popular oral chance ats each other, however there does not seem to be any particular displeasure in between them.
"I think he's truly good," Gaethje stated. "I believe this sport is insane. I believe anything can take place anytime."
In the co-main occasion, third-ranked challenger Sean O'Malley (18-3) of Phoenix deals with No. 5 Song Yadong (22-8-1) of China in a bantamweight battle.
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 events.
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FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and Paddy Pimblett fight throughout a combined martial arts fight at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)