The first UFC event of the year, UFC 324, promises an exciting lineup, headlined by the interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. This event marks the UFC’s debut on Paramount+, taking place Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pimblett, boasting a nine-fight winning streak and a 23-3 record, seeks his first UFC title and enters the fight as a -238 favorite, while Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champ with a 26-5 record, is seen as a +195 underdog after winning three of his last four fights.
The main card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET, featuring a bantamweight co-main event between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. Despite recent losses to Merab Dvalishvili, O’Malley (18-3) is favored at -218 against Yadong (22-8-1), who is at +180. MMA expert Daniel Vithlani, known for his sharp betting insights since UFC 283, has analyzed these matchups and offers his top picks on SportsLine.
For new bettors at UFC 324, DraftKings offers a promo providing up to $300 in bonus bets if your wagers win. Vithlani’s track record includes a 5-0 start at UFC 283, over $1,500 profit from main card betting, and successful underdog calls on big fights like Sean O’Malley’s upset at UFC 292 and Dustin Poirier at UFC 299. Now, he has thoroughly examined Gaethje vs. Pimblett and shared his best bets exclusively on SportsLine.
In addition to the fights, UFC events are transitioning away from pay-per-view, now streaming live on Paramount+ at no extra cost for subscribers. This change allows fans to watch numbered events, Fight Nights, pre-fight documentaries, replays, and archival footage all in one place.
Regarding the main event, Gaethje, 37, has a strong wrestling background and a knockout-heavy record with 20 of 26 wins by KO and has never lost via decision. He aims to capture his second interim lightweight title after previous attempts fell short against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje also holds the popular “BMF” belt following a victory over Dustin Poirier.
Pimblett, 31, combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills with diverse finishing ability, including submissions, knockouts, and decisions. Since moving to lightweight in 2018, he has excelled with a 10-1 record, remaining undefeated (7-0) in the UFC. Known for earning multiple Performance of the Night awards and carrying an unbeaten 3-0 record in Las Vegas, Pimblett is hungry for his first UFC title shot.
Among the other fights, Vithlani favors light heavyweight Nikita Krylov (+110) over Modestas Bukauskas (-130) on the prelims. Krylov’s more diverse skill set and superior striking and grappling stats could give him the edge over the unranked Bukauskas. Enthusiasts should check SportsLine for further detailed predictions.
For those new to betting, FanDuel offers a promo where a $5 winning bet grants a $300 bonus bet, making it easier to engage with UFC 324’s high-stakes action.
Overall, SportsLine provides comprehensive expert picks and detailed fight analysis, helping fans make informed decisions on the event’s key matchups.
Fan Take: UFC 324’s groundbreaking launch on Paramount+ signals a major shift in how fans consume mixed martial arts, enhancing accessibility and engagement. The clash between a fierce veteran like Gaethje and the rising star Pimblett could redefine the lightweight division’s future, offering thrilling implications for the sport’s evolving landscape.
