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, but based strictly on rankings, it's doubtful whether they should headline such an essential occasion, much less contend for the interim light-weight title.
But a number of elements led to fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) dealing with No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Ilia Topuria has actually taken a leave of absence for individual 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 suggest, however, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing matchup. This could 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 offered such big chances by the business. This is a huge chance to be the main occasion red (higher-ranked) corner of the first Paramount card. I know they trust me. They know I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most amazing guy, which ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.
"He goes into 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 chances have actually protested him and it typically hasn't exercised in his opponent's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after beating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 mixed martial arts light-weight bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
It's that championship-level experience, the previous lightweight champ stated, that need to give him a benefit over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is contending in his 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 somebody I ´ ve been viewing for years and years. He ´ s had a few of the finest battles I ´ ve ever watched in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, individuals you watch. You want to eventually battle them and beat them."
He has actually been waiting on this minute considering that strolling into a fitness center at 15 and stating he would one day be a champion. Pimblett said he got booted from the gym that day, however that didn't hinder him.
Though he said training during the holiday "destroyed my Christmas" and he would never schedule another January battle, the wait and the work have actually deserved it.
"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the very first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It reveals how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to put on an excellent battle, and it's world title fight. It would be ridiculous after 16 years for this to take place, and it's lastly here."
Both fighters took traditional oral shots at each other, however there does not seem to be any particular bitterness between them.
"I believe he's actually excellent," Gaethje stated. "I think this sport is crazy. I think anything can take place anytime."
In the co-main event, 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 actually put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, but the company signed a seven-year offer with Paramount in August that now airs those and other events on the subscription-based streaming service. CBS will simulcast some events.
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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)