UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett - Odds, Predictions & Picks

• Blockbuster Lightweight main event set to light up Las Vegas this January

• Fan favorite Paddy Pimblett faces the toughest test of his career against former interim champion Justin Gaethje

• Sean O’Malley returns looking to reassert himself in the Bantamweight picture against dangerous contender Song Yadong

UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Odds

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Visit FanDuel and claim $150 in bonus bets with your initial winning wager. Read more about th bonus in our FanDuel Sportsbook review.

If you're in a state where FanDuel Sportsbook is not yet legal, we recommend playing at Underdog. See how to claim your Underdog Promo Code WSNPLAY and sign up below.

UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Pimblett - Picks & Predictions

Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett - Lightweight Division

Our pick: Paddy Pimblett (-245) at FanDuel

Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong - Bantamweight Division

Our pick: Sean O'Malley (-225) at FanDuel

Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis - Heavyweight Division

Our pick: Waldo Cortes Acosta (-330) at FanDuel

Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas - Flyweight Division

Our pick: Natalia Silva (-440) at FanDuel

Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva - Featherweight Division

Our pick: Jean Silva (-330) at FanDuel

Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett - Lightweight Division

All eyes will be on the main event as cult hero Paddy Pimblett takes a seismic step up in class against one of the most unrestrained, violent Lightweights of the modern era, Justin Gaethje. It’s an all-eyes-on crossroads clash between an established contender and a fast-rising star who has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

Gaethje remains one of the division’s ultimate gatekeepers. The 37-year-old has shared the Octagon with a Who’s Who of elite names and, despite a punishing defeat to Max Holloway, he bounced back with a convincing three-round victory over Rafael Fiziev in March of last year. Gaethje has shown he still possesses fight-ending power in both hands and a brutal leg-kicking game that can dismantle anyone on his day. Few fighters thrive in chaos like “The Highlight”.

Meanwhile, Pimblett has steadily silenced doubters with seven straight UFC wins, most recently in a third-round TKO over Michael Chandler, and previously submitting King Green in clinical fashion. The Brit has tightened up defensively and his grappling remains a major superpower, particularly against opponents who fade in later rounds.

This feels like a passing-of-the-torch moment. Paddy Pimblett looks as if he’s ready for the big time and gets the vote from us, at -245 with FanDuel.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong - Bantamweight Division

Former champion Sean O’Malley makes his return after losing the belt to Merab Dvalishvili, and he couldn’t have asked for a more explosive dance partner than China’s prodigy, Song Yadong. This one is destined for a firework display.

O’Malley has kept his name as one of the cleanest strikers in the UFC, blessed with second-perfect timing and a brutally sharp left hand. Questions linger about how he handles pressure, after two losses on the bounce, but he’s still capable of making even the toughest of opponents look ordinary, as he showed against Aljamain Sterling.

Yadong arrives riding a wave of momentum following a big win over Henry Cejudo this time last year. The Team Alpha Male graduate hits hard, closes distance quickly, and at 28 still has his best years ahead of him. A win here would catapult him straight into the title contender conversation.

The stylistic matchup favors O’Malley’s range and precision, and provided he can keep the fight at kicking distance, he should be able to wear Yadong down and bank rounds early. “Suga” gets the nod at -225 with FanDuel.

Get $300 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Winning Wager

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis - Heavyweight Division

Heavyweight chaos is guaranteed when Derrick Lewis is involved, and the veteran knockout artist now meets rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta in what feels like a changing-of-the-guard matchup. Cortes-Acosta has prophesied a heavyweight title fight for May or July this year, so he’s showing no lack of confidence going into this one.

Lewis has built a legendary career on improbable comebacks and one-punch finishes, but at 40, the odometer is beginning to creep worryingly high. Three defeats in his last four bouts have raised questions about whether “The Black Beast” can still compete with the division’s new breed of warriors.

Cortes-Acosta is representative of that new wave. The Dominican has won four of his last five in the UFC, so there’s no question he’s fight-ready. Relying on sharp boxing, athleticism, and wit—he’s far more measured than Lewis and should have the cardio edge if this drifts beyond the first round.

You can never fully count Lewis out, yet the smart play is with youth and volume. Cortes-Acosta looks worth siding with at -330 with FanDuel.

Win a $5 Wager at FanDuel, Get $300 in Bonus Bets

Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas - Flyweight Division

A fascinating stylistic battle unfolds in the Flyweight division as two-time Strawweight queen Rose Namajunas continues her campaign at 125lbs against Brazilian sensation Natalia Silva.

Silva has quietly become one of the division’s most complete fighters, winning all seven of her UFC outings with efficient movement and underrated grappling. At 28, she looks every inch a future title challenger.

Namajunas, on the other hand, brings championship pedigree and big-fight experience, but the move up in weight has been mixed. While her technique remains world-class, she has struggled at times with the size and physicality of natural flyweights. With only three wins out of her six previous fights, she’s certainly looking shakier by comparison.

This feels like Silva’s moment to break into the elite tier. Her speed and confidence make her a tough puzzle, and considering Namajunas’ recent lapse of form, she’s the clear pick at -440 with FanDuel.

Grab $300 in Bonus Bets With a $5 Correct Bet at FanDuel

Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva - Featherweight Division

The Featherweight division is serving up another cracker as British contender Arnold Allen looks to halt the momentum of Brazilian finisher Jean Silva.

Allen has long been one of the division’s most reliable operators, though back-to-back defeats against Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev have stalled his title ambitions. Technically sound in every area, and securing a victory over Giga Chikadze soon after that double-loss in 2024, he remains a nightmare matchup for most at 145lbs.

Meanwhile, Jean Silva has exploded onto the scene with a string of eye-catching stoppages, showcasing ferocious power and an aggressive Muay Thai style. Coming in after a drastic strength rebuild (dropping from190lb), the 29-year-old firmly believes he’s on a fast track to the top ten and a win here would prove his place more than anyone else.

It’s experience versus momentum, but Silva’s upward curve is hard to ignore. He looks capable of edging the striking exchanges and is fancied at -330 with FanDuel.

Bet $5 at FanDuel and Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Wager Hits

How to Watch UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

• Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

• When: Sunday, January 25

• Time: 09:00 PM ET

• How: ESPN