The first UFC event of the landmark media rights deal with Paramount takes place on Saturday when the Octagon lands in Las Vegas for UFC 324. The card is loaded with former champions, record holders and rising stars, making for a potentially explosive Paramount+ debut.
In the night’s main event, Paddy Pimblett will meet Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship.Gaethje is a former interim champ and also held the symbolic BMF title, while this is Pimblett’s first chance as UFC gold.
There’s also sure to be plenty of buzz when the co-main event hits the Octagon as former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley takes on Song Yadong. The pair are both looking to remain relevant in a suddenly engaging title picture after Petr Yan scored a stunning upset of Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. O’Malley owns a win over Yan in a non-title fight and could get himself right back in contention with a win on Saturday after back-to-back losses to the former champ Dvalishvili. Yadong is 3-1 in his last four fights.
Plus,heavyweights are set to collide when Waldo Cortes-Acosta takes on Derrick Lewis in the featured bout on the card. Cortes-Acosta had one of the best years of any fighter in the sport in 2025, posting a 4-1 record with three of those wins coming by knockout. Lewis, meanwhile, remains a terrifying opponent for any rising contender. “The Black Beast” owns the record for most knockouts in UFC history with 16 — three more than the next closest competitor. He’s coming off a TKO of another rising contender in Tallison Teixeira last July.
There are plenty more big fights and familiar names on the card, which takes place from T-Mobile Arena and streams live on Paramount+.
Sign up for Paramount+ and watch UFC 324 live on Saturday night for no additional fee — every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night is included with the price of your subscription! Plans start as low as $8.99/month or $89.99/year!
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett predictions
Campbell: Now that Pimblett has evolved into a more focused and precise version of himself at age 31 (along with getting himself into world-class physical shape), his speed and length advantages figure to be an issue for the battle-tested Gaethje. It should go without saying that pimblett will need to show a sturdy chin early and live up to his slogan that “Scousers don’t get knocked out.” But for as hazardous as Gaethje is,Pimblett holds a distinct advantage on the ground with his submission game opposite a strong amateur wrestling background for Gaethje that surprisingly never gets utilized in his UFC bouts. Pimblett will take his time and eventually expose the aging chin of his 37-year-old opponent in a breakthrough win. Pimblett via TKO4
Brookhouse: Gaethje hasn’t been very active in recent years and is now 37. Add in that he’s taken a more patient and tactical approach to fighting in the later stages of his career and I think you have the recipe for Pimblett to win this fight. Pimblett has the length to punish Gaethje on the outside and can tangle Gaethje up and use trips to take the fight to the ground. If the fight hits the floor, that’s far more Pimblett’s world, weather he is attacking with submissions or dominating position to deliver strikes. This feels like a great fight for Pimblett to get the biggest win of his career. Pimblett via SUB2
Mahjouri: I promised to stop picking against Pimblett after he thrashed Michael Chandler.He doesn’t make it easy. statistically, it’s hard to see Pimblett’s path to victory. Pimblett is a dual-finishing threat, but falls short in key categories. Gaethje is the more powerful and experienced striker with surprisingly higher striking defense. Pimblett has the biggest advantage on the ground, but historically lacks the offensive wrestling required to take the fight there. What these overall statistics don’t conclude are their recent trajectories. Pimblett, 31, makes meaningful improvements from fight to fight. Chandler and King Green are indeed over the hill, but Pimblett beat them with such ease that you can’t dismiss his growth. Gaethje, 37, is nearing the end by his own admission. Pimblett will properly prepare for this dangerous task. He’ll know to keep his chin down — a recurring bad habit of his — against a juggernaut like Gaethje. Pimblett via SUB4
Mormile: Gaethje via TKO
Wise: Gaethje via UD
Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong predictions
Campbell: O’Malley badly needs a win following back-to-back title losses to former champion Merab Dvalishvili. But the fact that Petr Yan, who defeated Dvashvili in their December rematch to once again become bantamweight king, holds a 2022 loss to O’Malley by split decision means that a rematch could be next if “Suga” can keep pace atop the division rankings.For as strong and solid as Yadong has become at age 28 following eight years as a UFC fighter, his style is still too basic for O’Malley not to expose over 15 minutes with his dynamic striking attack. While Yadong is durable enough to prevent O’Malley from delivering a highlight-reel statement and should prove able to keep the fight competitive, expect a return to form from the former champion. O’Mal
Brookhouse: Silva via UD
Mahjouri: Silva via UD
Mormile: Namajunas via UD
Wise: Namajunas via UD
Allen vs. Silva method of victory picks
Campbell: Allen via SD
Brookhouse: Silva via TKO2
Mahjouri: Silva via UD
Mormile: Silva via UD
wise: Silva via TKO3
Who wins Gaethje vs. Pimblett, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $21,000 on his UFC picks as May 19, 2018, and find out.
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