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 very first card on Paramount+.
It helps the UFC that both are fan favorites, but based strictly on rankings, it's questionable whether they should headline such an essential event, much less contend for the interim light-weight title.
But a variety of elements caused fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) dealing with 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 combat each other at UFC 326 on March 7.
That does not imply, however, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an interesting matchup. This could be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who combats out of Denver.
"It ´ s been a hell of a ride," Gaethje said. "I ´ m blessed to be provided such substantial opportunities by the business. This is a big chance to be the primary 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 interesting guy, and that ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.
"He gets in 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 been against him and it frequently hasn't exercised in his opponent's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates 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 must offer him a benefit over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is contending in his 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 somebody I ´ ve been expecting years and years. He ´ s had some of the finest battles I ´ ve ever watched in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, the individuals you see. You desire to eventually battle them and beat them."
He has been awaiting this moment considering that walking into a gym at 15 and stating he would one day be a champ. Pimblett said he got booted from the health club that day, however that didn't prevent him.
Though he stated training throughout the holiday season "destroyed my Christmas" and he would never schedule another January battle, the wait and the work have been worth it.
"It's an honor to be the main event of the first Paramount card," Pimblett said. "It demonstrates how much the UFC believes me and Justin to place on an excellent battle, and it's world title battle. It would be insane after 16 years for this to happen, and it's finally here."
Both fighters took popular oral shots at each other, however there does not appear to be any particular bitterness in between them.
"I believe he's actually great," Gaethje stated. "I believe this sport is insane. I believe anything can take place at any minute."
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 actually 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 occasions.
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
FILE - Michael Chandler, left, and Paddy Pimblett battle during a arts fight at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)