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 very first card on Paramount+.


It assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, but based strictly on rankings, it's questionable whether they should heading such a crucial occasion, much less complete for the title.


But a variety of elements led to fourth-ranked opposition Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has actually 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 eliminate each other at UFC 326 on March 7.


That does not indicate, however, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing match. This might be the last 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 provided such big chances by the company. This is a substantial opportunity to be the centerpiece red (higher-ranked) corner of the first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They know I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most exciting guy, which ´ s most likely 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 odds have protested him and it often hasn't exercised in his opponent's favor.


FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after beating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 blended martial arts lightweight bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)


It's that championship-level experience, the previous lightweight champ said, that need to provide him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is competing 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 somebody I ´ ve been looking for years and years. He ´ s had some of the best battles I ´ ve ever watched in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, individuals you enjoy. You wish to eventually combat them and beat them."


He has actually been waiting for this minute since strolling into a fitness center at 15 and stating he would one day be a champion. Pimblett stated he got booted from the health club that day, but that didn't hinder him.


Though he said training during the holiday "ruined my Christmas" and he would never arrange another January battle, the wait and the work have been worth it.


"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It demonstrates how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to put on an excellent fight, and it's world title fight. It would be ridiculous after 16 years for this to occur, and it's lastly here."


Both fighters took customary oral chance ats each other, however there does not appear to be any particular bitterness in between them.


"I think he's truly excellent," Gaethje stated. "I think this sport is crazy. I think anything can happen 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 actually put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, but the organization 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.


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


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