UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett Preview & Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison Picks

  • What: UFC 324 Interim Lightweight Championship Fight & Bantamweight Championship Fight
  • Who: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett & Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison
  • When: Saturday, January 24, 2026
  • Where: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV

UFC 324 is set for January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking a historic moment as the first UFC broadcast under the new media rights agreement with Paramount. This event will also be the first numbered UFC card to not air on pay-per-view in the United States since UFC 267 in 2021.

The main event features an interim lightweight title bout between veteran Justin Gaethje (26-5) and rising star Paddy Pimblett (23-3).

Current champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal reasons, necessitating the interim title. Gaethje has publicly stated this represents his last opportunity to capture UFC gold, while Pimblett boldly predicts he will retire the former interim champion.

The co-main event delivers one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history as UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, defends against the returning Amanda Nunes. Nunes, considered the greatest women’s fighter in UFC history, is making her first appearance since announcing her retirement at UFC 289 in June 2023.

The main card also features former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley facing Song Yadong, heavyweight sluggers Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis colliding, and featherweight contenders Arnold Allen and Jean Silva battling. With two title fights and compelling matchups throughout, UFC 324 promises an explosive start to 2026.

Before we look at the best bets for Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett on the UFC 324 card, check out the best UFC betting sites and where you can find out how to bet the UFC as well.

UFC 324: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett Odds

This interim title bout represents a fascinating clash of styles and career trajectories. At 37 years old, Gaethje returns following his devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, having stated he would retire without a title opportunity.

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Paddy Pimblett-205-205-210
Justin Gaethje+175+170+175

Gaethje has won 20 of his fights by TKO/KO and remains one of the sport’s most dangerous strikers, with his leg kicks and pressure-based attack forming the foundation of his game. Pimblett holds a perfect 7-0 UFC record with 10 career submission victories, showcasing his Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials. He’s never been dropped in the UFC and is coming off wins over Tony Ferguson, Bobby Green, and Michael Chandler.

Justin GaethjeTO WIN UFC Interim Lightweight Championship
★★★★★
+175
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However, critics note the age and decline of those opponents, making this fight Pimblett’s first actual elite-level test.

The matchup is being framed as finesse and pace against controlled chaos and leg-kick attrition. Pimblett’s strategy will likely involve surviving the early striking exchanges and looking for opportunities to drag Gaethje to the mat, where his submission game thrives. Gaethje’s takedown defense is solid, and he’s already preparing for grappling exchanges, even joking about submitting Pimblett himself.

The narratives are compelling: Gaethje fighting for one last shot at undisputed gold versus Pimblett attempting to prove he belongs among the lightweight elite. I would have to side with the favorite Paddy Pimblett in this one. 

Paddy PimblettTO WIN UFC Interim Lightweight Championship
★★★★★
-210
Bet now

UFC 324: Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison Odds

This matchup is being called arguably the biggest fight in women’s MMA history, pitting two dominant champions with compelling credentials against each other.

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Kayla Harrison-225-190-185
Amanda Nunez+189+165+160

Harrison won the bantamweight title by submitting Julianna Peña at UFC 316 in June and will be making her first title defense. The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist has quickly established herself as one of the most dominant forces in the division.

Nunes is widely considered the greatest female fighter to grace the octagon, holding the bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously. Her resume includes victories over virtually every major name in women’s MMA, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and Holly Holm. Nunes is an underdog for the first time since her December 2018 bout with Cris Cyborg, entering at +176 against Harrison’s -162.

Amanda NunesTO WIN World Bantamweight Championship
★★★★★
+189
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Adding intrigue to the matchup, both fighters are former American Top Team teammates, giving them intimate knowledge of each other’s styles. The fight represents a clash of Olympic-level grappling credentials, with Harrison’s judo background potentially negating Nunes’ traditional grappling advantages.

The co-main event placement beneath an interim title fight has sparked criticism, with many arguing this bout deserves headline status given the legacy implications for both fighters. Regardless of billing, this represents Harrison’s opportunity to cement her place among the elite and Nunes’ chance to reclaim her throne.

As tempting as it is to take Nunes, I’m going to back the favorite Harrison in this bout. 

Kayla HarrisonTO WIN Bantamweight Championship
★★★★★
-185
Bet now

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Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

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