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 doubtful whether they ought to headline such a crucial event, much less compete for the interim light-weight title.
But a variety of aspects caused fourth-ranked opposition Gaethje (26-5) dealing with No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of lack 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 combat each other at UFC 326 on March 7.
That doesn't mean, however, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing matchup. This could be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who fights out of Denver.
"It ´ s been a hell of a ride," Gaethje said. "I ´ m blessed to be provided such huge chances by the company. This is a big chance to be the main occasion red (higher-ranked) corner of the first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They know I ´ m the most constant guy, the most exciting 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 stated this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the chances have been versus him and it typically hasn't exercised in his challenger's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after beating 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 lightweight champ said, that ought to provide him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is completing 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 looking for 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, individuals you enjoy. You wish to eventually combat them and beat them."
He has actually been waiting on this moment since walking into a gym at 15 and stating he would one day be a champ. Pimblett said he got booted from the fitness center that day, however that didn't prevent him.
Though he stated training throughout the holiday season "destroyed my Christmas" and he would never ever schedule another January fight, the wait and the work have been worth it.
"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the very first Paramount card," . "It demonstrates how much the UFC believes me and Justin to put on a great fight, and it's world title battle. It would be ridiculous after 16 years for this to take place, and it's lastly here."
Both fighters took customary oral shots at each other, however there does not appear to be any particular animosity between them.
"I believe he's really good," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is insane. I believe anything can occur anytime."
In the co-main occasion, third-ranked challenger 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 handle 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 combined martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
