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 helps the UFC that both are fan favorites, however based strictly on rankings, it's questionable whether they should headline such an essential occasion, much less complete for the interim lightweight title.
But a number of aspects resulted in fourth-ranked opposition Gaethje (26-5) facing No. 5 Pimblett (23-3) at UFC 324. Reigning champ Ilia Topuria has taken a leave of absence for personal factors, top-ranked challenger 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 does not suggest, nevertheless, that Gaethje and Pimblett aren't an appealing matchup. This could 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 provided such substantial opportunities by the business. This is a big 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 constant guy, the most amazing guy, which ´ s most likely why I ´ m here.
"He goes into familiar territory as the underdog. Pimblett, 31, is a -235 preferred 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 exercised in his challenger's favor.
FILE - Justin Gaethje, left, celebrates after defeating Rafael Fiziev in a UFC 313 mixed martial arts light-weight bout, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
It's that championship-level experience, the previous light-weight champ stated, that ought to offer him an advantage over Pimblett. The fighter out of Liverpool, England, is completing in his very first title bout.
"It ´ s going to be great to have another legend ´ s name on me resume, "Pimblett stated. "It ´ s an honor to share the octagon with him. He ´ s somebody I ´ ve been viewing for years and years. He ´ s had a few of the best fights I ´ ve ever seen in the UFC. That ´ s what we ´ re in this game for, individuals you watch. You wish to eventually battle them and beat them."
He has actually been waiting for this moment given that walking into a health club at 15 and stating he would one day be a champ. Pimblett stated he got booted from the fitness center that day, but that didn't prevent him.
Though he stated training throughout the holiday "ruined my Christmas" and he would never arrange another January battle, the wait and the work have actually deserved it.
"It's an honor to be the centerpiece of the first Paramount card," Pimblett stated. "It demonstrates how much the UFC believes me and Justin to place on an excellent battle, and it's world title battle. It would be insane after 16 years for this to happen, and it's finally here."
Both fighters took customary oral shots at each other, but there does not appear to be any particular animosity between them.
"I believe he's really great," Gaethje stated. "I believe this sport is crazy. I think anything can happen at any moment."
In the co-main event, third-ranked opposition Sean O'Malley (18-3) of Phoenix faces 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 organization signed a seven-year deal with 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 fight throughout a blended martial arts battle at UFC 314, April 13, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)