UFC 324: Justin Gaethje Vs. Paddy Pimblett Headline First.

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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 first card on Paramount+.


It assists the UFC that both are fan favorites, however based strictly on rankings, it's doubtful whether they ought to heading such an important event, much less complete for the interim light-weight title.


But a number of aspects caused fourth-ranked challenger Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champ Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of lack for individual factors, top-ranked opposition Arman Tsarukyan is recovering 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 indicate, however, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an intriguing match. This might be the final bout for the 37-year-old Gaethje, who battles out of Denver.


"It ´ s been a hell of a ride," Gaethje stated. "I ´ m blessed to be given such big opportunities by the business. This is a substantial chance to be the centerpiece red (higher-ranked) corner of the very first Paramount card. I understand they trust me. They understand I ´ m the most consistent guy, the most amazing guy, and that ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.


"He gets in familiar area as the underdog. Pimblett, 31, is a -235 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook, and Gaethje said this is the 11th time in 14 such bouts the chances have actually protested him and it typically hasn't worked out in his opponent's favor.


FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, commemorates after defeating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 blended martial arts bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)


It's that championship-level experience, the former lightweight champ stated, that must offer him a benefit over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is competing in his very first title bout.


"It ´ s going to be good to have another legend ´ s name on me resume, "Pimblett stated. "It ´ s an honor to share the octagon with him. He ´ s someone I ´ ve been looking for years and years. He ´ s had a few of the very best fights I ´ ve ever seen in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, the individuals you see. You wish to ultimately fight them and beat them."


He has actually been waiting for this moment since strolling into a health club at 15 and saying he would one day be a champ. Pimblett said he got booted from the gym that day, but that didn't discourage him.


Though he said training during the holiday season "ruined my Christmas" and he would never schedule another January fight, the wait and the work have actually been worth it.


"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the very first Paramount card," Pimblett stated. "It shows how much the UFC trusts me and Justin to place on a great battle, and it's world title fight. It would be outrageous after 16 years for this to take place, and it's finally here."


Both fighters took traditional oral shots at each other, but there doesn't appear to be any specific bitterness between them.


"I think he's truly great," Gaethje said. "I think this sport is crazy. I think anything can occur anytime."


In the co-main occasion, third-ranked opposition Sean O'Malley (18-3) of Phoenix deals with No. 5 Song Yadong (22-8-1) of China in a bantamweight fight.


The UFC had put its numbered cards on pay-per-view, however 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 throughout a combined martial arts fight at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

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