UFC 324 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday the 25th of January South African time (24th of January in the USA), featuring a lightweight title clash headlined by Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. We’ll take a closer look at the Main Event as well as two additional fights on the Main Card offering up a bet in each for your consideration.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
JUSTIN GAETHJE vs PADDY PIMBLETT
Lightweight Main Event – Interim Title Fight:
Justin Gaethje brings a wealth of experience into this championship bout with a professional record of 8 wins and 5 losses under the institution (overall MMA record 26-5). As one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history, the American has built his reputation on relentless pressure and knockout power.
Gaethje enters this weekend on the back of a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in March 2025, bouncing back from his last second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. Formerly the interim lightweight champion, he has defeated elite opposition such as Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler and Donald Cerrone during his career.
Paddy Pimblett:
Paddy steps into his first UFC title fight unbeaten, currently holding a 7-0 tally within the UFC. The English fighter has enjoyed a rapid rise through the lightweight ranks, combining aggressive grappling with improving stand-up.
Pimblett comes into this contest on the back of a statement knockout win over Michael Chandler in April 2025 where he beat him in the 3rd Round, following submission and decision victories over King Green and Tony Ferguson.
BETTING – click here to bet
Gaethje 2.90
Pimblett 1.43
PREDICTION:
Pimblett’s grappling poses a real threat, but Gaethje’s power and championship experience are likely to be decisive. I am expecting Gaethje to keep the fight standing and eventually secure a late knockout victory.
SEAN O’MALLEY vs SONG YADONG
Bantamweight – Co-Main Event:
Sean O’Malley enters this matchup with a record of 9 wins, 3 losses and 1 no contest under the organisation. The former bantamweight champion remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the division known for his precision, movement and knockout power.
O’Malley comes in off back-to-back title defeats to Merab Dvalishvili, including a Round 3 submission loss in June 2025. Prior to that, he defended his belt against Marlon Vera and famously knocked out Aljamain Sterling to claim the title before that.
Song Yadong carries a record of 11 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw in the UFC and continues to establish himself as a top contender at 135 pounds. The Chinese standout blends speed, durability and crisp boxing with notable victories over Henry Cejudo, Chris Gutierrez and Marlon Vera.
He last competed in February 2025, where he outpointed Henry Cejudo over three round and after falling short against Petr Yan in 2024 by decision, Song has now won three and lost two of his five latest bouts.
BETTING – click here to bet
O’Malley 1.50
Yadong 2.70
PREDICTION:
O’Malley’s range management and counter striking give him the edge in this matchup, but Song’s pressure and toughness will keep him competitive throughout. I am expecting O’Malley to outscore Song over three rounds and earn a decision victory.
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WALDO CORTES-ACOSTA vs DERRICK LEWIS
Heavyweight – Main Card Bout:
Waldo Cortes-Acosta enters this heavyweight clash having won 9 and lost 2 of his fights within the UFC. The Dominican powerhouse has quietly built momentum in the division, showcasing improved striking and solid cardio, often going the distance.
Cortes-Acosta enters this fight riding consecutive knockout wins over Shamil Gaziev and Ante Delija in late 2025, stopping both in the 1st Round.
Derrick Lewis, one of the most feared knockout artists in UFC history possesses experience dating back to 2014. Lewis has fought 29 times in this period of which he has won 19 and lost 10 fights and he notably holds the all-time UFC knockout record at 16 stoppages.
Lewis last fought in July 2025, where he demolished Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds.
BETTING – click here to bet
Cortes-Acosta 1.31
Lewis 3.65
PREDICTION:
Lewis is always dangerous early, but Cortes-Acosta’s volume and technical striking should allow him to weather the storm. I believe Cortes-Acosta takes over after the opening round and earns a knockout victory in the second or third round.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Gaethje vs Pimblett
Gaethje by KO at 5.25
O’Malley vs Yadong
O’Malley by decision at 2.15
Cortes-Acosta vs Lewis
Cortes-Acosta by KO at 1.95
The Treble works out at 22.01
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
