The interim UFC lightweight championship will headline UFC 324, titled “Gaethje vs. Pimblett,” set for Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The matchup features No. 4 Justin Gaethje facing off against No. 5 Paddy Pimblett. This event marks the UFC’s first on CBS and Paramount+, with early prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET and the main card starting around 9 p.m. ET. Gaethje comes into the fight after a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last March, while Pimblett earned a third-round TKO victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April.
DraftKings Sportsbook currently has Pimblett favored at -238 (risk $238 to win $100) with Gaethje at +195. The co-main event features bantamweights Sean O’Malley (-205) versus Song Yadong (+170). For those placing bets, SportsLine expert Kyle Marley offers MMA predictions and betting advice to help make informed decisions. New users at DraftKings can also take advantage of a $300 bonus bet for every $5 wager placed.
Kyle Marley has become well-known over the past five years for his accurate MMA picks, earning close to $10,000 in profits for $100 bettors in the last three years alone, and has amassed over $21,000 since May 2018. Marley gained fame by picking underdog winners in five consecutive main events in 2020 during the UFC hiatus caused by the pandemic. Recently, he went 9-2 on the last UFC card, enhancing his reputation for dependable advice. His analysis of Gaethje vs. Pimblett is now available exclusively on SportsLine.
UFC fans now have a new way to watch all numbered events and Fight Nights through Paramount+, eliminating pay-per-view fees. Subscribers gain access to live streams, pre-fight documentaries, full replays, and an extensive archive—all included with their Paramount+ membership.
Regarding the fighters, Gaethje, 37, boasts a strong track record with 26 wins and 5 losses in his 31-fight professional career, including 20 knockouts. A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, he joined the UFC in 2017 after starting his career with an undefeated 18-0 streak. He is a two-time President’s Choice Fight of the Year recipient and has successfully defended the World Series of Fighting lightweight title five times.
On the other side, 31-year-old Paddy “The Buddy” Pimblett began his pro career in 2012 as a bantamweight, competing in various weight classes since. He joined the UFC in 2021 and has since maintained an undefeated 7-0 UFC record, earning five Performance of the Night bonuses. Pimblett has notable wins, including a KO over Luigi Vendramini, and accolades such as the 2022 World MMA Awards Breakout Fighter of the Year and 2024 Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year. He is also a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion.
Additionally, new users can claim the latest bet365 bonus code offering a $200 bonus bet after wagering $5.
As part of Marley’s UFC 324 picks, he predicts Ty Miller (-485) to knock out Adam Fugitt (+370) in a welterweight early preliminary fight and provides extensive insights on who to back throughout the card. Marley favors some underdogs who are expected to keep their bouts competitive, revealing his top choices on SportsLine.
For those looking to make their picks, Marley offers detailed predictions and analysis, including the outcome and method of victory for the Gaethje vs. Pimblett main event.
The main fight card odds currently stand as follows (subject to change):
- Justin Gaethje (+195) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-239)
- Sean O’Malley (-205) vs. Song Yadong (+170)
- Waldo Cortez-Acosta (-355) vs. Derrick Lewis (+270)
- Natalie Silva (-355) vs. Rose Namajunas (+280)
- Arnold Allen (+200) vs. Jean Silva (-245)
Fan Take: This fight card is a landmark moment for the UFC as it transitions into a new era of broadcasting with Paramount+, making high-level MMA more accessible to fans. The Gaethje vs. Pimblett matchup not only promises explosive action but also symbolizes the blending of veteran grit and rising star power that keeps the sport thrilling and ever-evolving.
