Overview
- UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas will crown an interim lightweight champion when Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett after Ilia Topuria stepped away for personal matters.
- Chandler told ESPN MMA he favors Gaethje for the interim title and predicted Gaethje would dethrone Topuria in a unification bout later this year.
- Despite his pick, Chandler urged against dismissing Pimblett, citing the Briton's reach, fast kicks, patience and composure.
- Recent sportsbook lines reported in the coverage list Pimblett as the favorite at roughly -230 with Gaethje near +190.
- Gaethje dismissed online speculation about a staph infection, saying a visible neck mark was an ingrown hair and indicating the bout remains on track.