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 first card on Paramount+.
It assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, but based strictly on rankings, it's doubtful whether they must heading such an important event, much less contend for the interim light-weight title.
But a variety of elements resulted in fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) dealing with No. 5 (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has actually taken a leave of absence for personal factors, 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 doesn't indicate, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing matchup. This might be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who fights out of Denver.
"It ´ s been a hell of a trip," Gaethje stated. "I ´ m blessed to be offered such huge opportunities by the company. This is a substantial opportunity to be the main occasion red (higher-ranked) corner of the very first Paramount card. I know they trust me. They know I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most interesting guy, which ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.
"He enters familiar territory 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 odds have actually protested him and it often hasn't exercised in his opponent's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates 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 light-weight champ stated, that need to give him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is competing in his very first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be good 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 looking for years and years. He ´ s had a few of the very best battles I ´ ve ever enjoyed in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, the individuals you view. You desire to ultimately fight them and beat them."
He has actually been awaiting this moment since strolling into a health club at 15 and stating he would one day be a champion. Pimblett said he got booted from the health club that day, however that didn't discourage him.
Though he said training during the holiday "ruined my Christmas" and he would never ever schedule another January battle, the wait and the work have deserved it.
"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It demonstrates how much the UFC believes me and Justin to place on a good fight, and it's world title battle. It would be crazy after 16 years for this to happen, and it's finally here."
Both fighters took popular oral chance ats each other, however there doesn't seem to be any particular displeasure between them.
"I believe he's actually great," Gaethje said. "I believe this sport is insane. I think anything can happen at any moment."
In the co-main event, 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, but 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 during a combined martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)