The year’s first UFC event is loaded with compelling matchups, headlined by the interim lightweight title fight in the UFC’s inaugural broadcast on Paramount+. UFC 324 is set for Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight crown. Pimblett (23-3), riding a nine-fight winning streak and aiming for his first UFC title, is the favorite at -245 in current odds. Meanwhile, Gaethje (26-5), a former interim champ who has won three of his last four bouts, enters the fight as a +200 underdog.
The main card starts at 9 p.m. ET and includes a bantamweight showdown between fan favorites Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. Despite recent losses to Merab Dvalishvili, O’Malley (18-3) is favored at -210, while Yadong (22-8-1) is listed at +180. For those looking to finalize their bets on UFC 324, MMA expert Daniel Vithlani offers comprehensive predictions and advice on SportsLine.
Newcomers wishing to bet on UFC 324 can take advantage of a DraftKings promo code offering up to $300 in bonus bets if their wager wins. Vithlani, a highly analytical UFC bettor, has been delivering wins since UFC 283 with a perfect 5-0 record and over $1,500 in profit on the main card. His successful predictions include notable upsets such as Sean O’Malley (+210) over Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292 and several others at UFC 299.
Having closely analyzed Gaethje versus Pimblett, Vithlani has shared his top picks and betting insights exclusively on SportsLine.
UFC has transitioned from pay-per-view to Paramount+, where subscribers can stream live UFC numbered events and Fight Nights without additional fees. The platform also offers pre-fight documentaries, full replays, and archival content, marking a major shift in access for fans.
Regarding the fighters, Gaethje, 37, with a background as an NCAA All-American wrestler and a powerful knockout artist, has 20 knockouts among his 26 wins and has never lost by decision. He seeks his second interim lightweight belt after beating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 but fell short in title challenges against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. He also holds the UFC’s “BMF” title following a win against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.
Pimblett, 31, is proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and turned pro at 17 in Liverpool. After competing at bantamweight and featherweight, he moved to lightweight in 2018 and has since won 10 of his last 11 fights, including a 7-0 UFC record since 2021. Known for a versatile skill set with wins by submission, knockout, and decision, Pimblett is chasing his first UFC title and boasts five Performance of the Night awards in his last seven fights, demonstrating his finishing ability.
Among Vithlani’s UFC 324 picks is Nikita Krylov (+120) over Modestas Bukauskas (-142) in a light heavyweight undercard bout, highlighting Krylov’s greater striking volume, accuracy, and diverse grappling threats compared to his opponent.
Additionally, FanDuel offers new users a promo where a $5 winning bet triggers a $300 bonus bet, making it another option for submitting wagers on UFC 324 contests.
For the latest and most in-depth fight predictions across the UFC 324 card, including a breakdown of the main event’s likely outcome, fans are encouraged to visit SportsLine for expert analysis.
Main Fight Card Odds (subject to change):
- Justin Gaethje (+200) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-245)
- Sean O’Malley (-210) vs. Song Yadong (+180)
- Waldo Cortez-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275)
- Natalie Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250)
- Arnold Allen (+200) vs. Jean Silva (-245)
Fan Take:
This UFC 324 card marks an important moment as the promotion launches its partnership with Paramount+, signaling a new era in how fans consume MMA. The Gaethje vs. Pimblett bout, in particular, showcases the sport’s exciting blend of established veterans and rising stars, promising a pivotal clash that could shape the lightweight division’s future.
