UFC 324 Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje Main Card Preview, Odds, Watch Info & FAQ

The UFC has outdone themselves with an impressive debut card on Paramount for UFC 324. Despite losing a title fight and another preliminary fight, the remaining 11 fights on the card are sure to provide fight fans across the globe an exciting experience.

No other match up has more hype behind it then the headlining interim title fight of Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje. Top prospect Pimblett will need to pass the toughest test of his career against human highlight reel Justin Gaethje, no small task to say the least.

The Co – Main Event brings equal star power as it will see the return of Sean O'Malley vs a high level opponent in Song Yadong. A statement win could set either fighter up for a title shot against current champion Petr Yan.

That is just the tip of the ice berg with this card as all other 11 match ups have been carefully put together for a great show. Fight week is almost at a conclusion after all weigh ins, media, and press conference antics are over.

On that note lets get right into a break down of the main card of UFC 324 as fight night is almost upon us!

All odds presented by our Partner at LuckyRebel as of 1/23/2025 1:22 P.M

Check out the odds for the entire card at the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.

Main Event: Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje Preview – Interim Lightweight Championship

The main event of UFC 324 is one of high controversy. Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of absence and the UFC has created a Interim championship belt until he returns.

The bout has gathered a lot of chattered because UFC favorite Paddy Pimblett is getting the shot against veteran Justin Gaethje. Many fans think Gaethje is undeserving of the shot being 3-2 in his last 5 fights combined with long streaks of inactivity.

Paddy Pimblett also getting the shot has created a lot of buzz. Since joining the promotion Pimblett has been coddled by the UFC and given cherry picked match ups with his best win coming over an aging Michael Chandler.

There is no doubt Pimblett has improved his skills immensely despite the easy schedule. The beat down he put onto Michael Chandler was one unlike anything we have ever seen out of Pimblett.

Coming off a career best performance, he gets another great match up with an aging fighter. Gaethje is a seasoned UFC Veteran and master of violence now having 14 fights with the promotion.

Every fight Gaethje is in is pure fire works with this one being one of his biggest opportunities to date. Fighting for the belt for the fourth time in his career, the long time veteran knows this could be his last chance at gold.

Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje Odds:

• Moneyline: Paddy Pimblett (-235) vs Justin Gaethje (+200)
• Round Total: 2.5 Total Rounds – Over (-120) / Under (+100)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Paddy Pimblett By Submission (+110)

Co – Main Event: Sean O'Malley vs Song Yadong Preview – Bantamweight

Sean O'Malley will make his return to the octagon Saturday night coming off back to back title fight losses. The UFC has done him no favors this time though, booking him against top prospect Song Yadong.

Yadong is a very quick striker who has fought high level competition through out his career. He will be more then willing to give Sean the fight he wants on the feet.

If there is no grappling in the match up, Yadong may struggle to get into range due to his frame. He will need strong foot work and a takedown threat to secure the win here.

Many fans have questioned O'Malley's heart and motivation as of late. Even in his last fight he promoted he was very dedicated to fighting yet looked career worse against Dvalishvili.

O'Malley is a UFC superstar though, I believe he knows what is at stake here and will put on quite the show. In addition, Yan reclaiming bantamweight gold should add all the motivation he needs considering a win could set him up for a title shot.

Sean O'Malley vs Song Yadong Odds:

• Moneyline: Sean O'Malley (-200) vs Song Yadong (+170)
• Round Total: 2.5 Total Rounds – Over (-265) / Under (+219)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Sean O'Malley By Points (+100)

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis Preview – Heavyweight

An exciting match up lies on the main card of UFC 324. The ever so active Waldo Cortes – Acosta will take on knock out king Derrick Lewis.

A win will set Cortes – Acosta up nicely for a title shot being 4-1 in his last 5 fights. The prospect has had an impressive start to his UFC career overall, going 9-2 in his run and fighting 5x in 2025.

He has shown he is a company man but he is running into long time veteran Derrick Lewis. Lewis has found success of late after a tough 1-4 stretch, now ripping off back to back knock out victories.

The match up is a stereo typical one of prospect vs seasoned veteran. Cortes – Acosta has a great opportunity in front of him to secure a title shot while Lewis could secure a spot on the white house card with an impressive win.

A heavy hitting bout that is sure to be a fan favorite of the card. MMA fans across the globe should be looking forward to this one.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis Odds:

• Moneyline: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-330) vs Derrick Lewis (+270)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (-150) / Under (+130)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Waldo Cortes-Acosta By KO/TKO (-125)

Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas Preview – Women's Flyweight

Rising prospect Natalia Silva will take on Thug Rose Namajunas in a banger of a match up Saturday night. Silva has been red hot since joining the UFC and is surely on the cusp of a title shot.

Since joining the UFC in 2022, Silva has ripped off 7 straight victories and paid her dues. Even collecting 2 knockouts during the run, a rarity for the Women's Flyweight division.

A statement win will put her next in line for decorated champion Schevchenko. Namajunas is no slouch and will be the perfect test for the prospect as she has continued to fight at a high level.

The former Strawweight champion Namajunas bounced back nicely in her last bout with a dominating win. The win got her back on track after losing a close decision to top contender Erin Blanchfield in her previous bout that stifled all of her momentum.

The Flyweight division is wide open which could also provide opportunities for Namajunas as she would be a fresh opponent for the current champion. With such an impressive run, Silva has passed every test the UFC has given her to date.

Will she pass her biggest test to date?

Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas Odds:

• Moneyline: Natalia Silva (-340) vs Rose Namajunas (+280)
• Round Total: 2.5 Total Rounds – Over (-450) / Under (+350)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Natalia Silva By Points (-200)

Jean Silva vs Arnold Allen Preview – Featherweight

The UFC knew exactly what they were doing when they scheduled this exciting match up to kick off the first Main Card on Paramount. The ever so exciting Jean Silva will take on top British prospect Arnold Allen in a 3 round bout that is sure to be fireworks.

Silva has found massive success within the UFC, ripping off 5 straight finish victories over top competition. Despite his success he could not pass his toughest test of his career in his last bout against top contender Diego Lopes.

Although the fight should be in considerations for fight of the year, Silva suffered a brutal KO loss. The Brazilian prospect looked great in the fight but showed some defensive weakness which was perfectly exploited.

He will be looking to bounce back here against a very tough opponent. Arnold Allen is interestingly enough coming off of a big bounce back win himself.

The British prospect took care of business against long time Veteran Chikadze after 2 tough losses in a row to top contenders. Allen showed a lot of resiliency and a desire to continue a run to the featherweight title.

Primarily a boxer in most match ups there is no doubt in my mind Allen will give Silva the striking battle he seeks. This should provide fireworks for fight fans as these 2 men will swing until someone goes down.

The UFC will certainly reward an exciting finish in the matchup. Dana White himself promised Silva fighters will receive a 324k bonus for the UFC 324 card.

As if there needed to be any more hype added to the match up, a huge pay day will pave the way for a violent brawl.

 

Jean Silva vs Arnold Allen Odds:

• Moneyline: Jean Silva (-250) vs Arnold Allen (+210)
• Round Total: 2.5 Total Rounds – Over (-135) / Under (+115)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Jean Silva By KO/TKO (+140)

UFC 324 Schedule & FAQ:

When is UFC 324?

• UFC 324 will take place Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

Where is UFC 324?

• UFC 324 will go down live at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What time does UFC 324 start?

• UFC 323 Early Preliminary Card Start time: 5 p.m. ET
• UFC 323 Preliminary Card start time: 7 p.m. ET
• UFC 323 Main Card start time: 9 p.m. ET

How to Watch UFC 324?

• UFC 324 Early Preliminary Card Coverage: Paramount+
• UFC 324 Preliminary Card Coverage: Paramount+
• UFC 324 Main Card Coverage: Paramount+

How to Bet on UFC 324?

• Most international and domestic sportsbooks will carry odds for a fight card of this caliber but click here for some sites and applications us bettors here at Betting News recommend for a great UFC betting experience.