Overview
- Paddy Pimblett says he plans to keep the fight standing and outstrike Justin Gaethje, predicting a finish within three rounds in comments to TNT Sports.
- Pimblett also claims a significant size edge over Ilia Topuria at lightweight and asserts he would beat the champion when he returns.
- Justin Gaethje clarifies that prior retirement talk largely came from his manager, says he is chasing the belt, and acknowledges his career is nearing its end at 37.
- Betting markets list Pimblett as the favorite over Gaethje, and UFC 324 marks the promotion’s Paramount+ debut from T-Mobile Arena with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET.
- Fan and media criticism persists over Pimblett receiving the opportunity ahead of higher-ranked contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan, and the card has shifted after reports that Kayla Harrison withdrew from facing Amanda Nunes due to a neck injury.