Published on: November 29, 2025, 10:33h.

Updated on: November 29, 2025, 10:35h.

• Dana White confirms a title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 set for January
• Ilia Topuria, the reigning lightweight champion, announced a break from UFC for early 2026
• The UFC 324 victor may face Topuria upon his return

One of the hot topics within the UFC community is whether Paddy Pimblett truly deserves the interim title shot he’s been granted, or if this decision is more about cashing in on the popularity of the charismatic fighter from Liverpool rather than his skills. Are there perhaps more deserving contenders available?

UFC President Dana White revealed on Thursday that UFC 324 is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24, 2026, featuring a headline clash between Pimblett and Gaethje in the lightweight category. This announcement follows champion Ilia Topuria’s decision to step back from the UFC for personal reasons, creating a notable ripple in Las Vegas sports betting.

“I won’t be competing in the early part of next year. I’m navigating a challenging phase in my personal life. My main focus is on my family and resolving these issues promptly. I don’t wish to hinder the division. Once my situation is settled, I will inform the UFC of my readiness to return,” Topuria posted on X.

The “Cherry-Picked” Controversy

Pimblett last appeared in the Octagon in April when he knocked out Michael Chandler in the third round.

The co-main event for UFC 324 is generating significant buzz as former champion Amanda Nunes returns to challenge bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, a matchup that fans have eagerly anticipated. Nunes is regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history, having retired in 2023.

Recent remarks from New Zealand’s lightweight Dan Hooker (currently ranked No. 6) have sparked discussions over Pimblett being “cherry-picked” for his title opportunity. Hooker expressed that title shots should be earned through defeating top contenders rather than by mere rankings.

As highlighted by Casino.org recently, UFC 324 will mark the first UFC numbered event broadcast on Paramount +, granting access to 77.77 million existing subscribers.

Las Vegas Betting: A Key Event for Paramount +

Paramount’s $7.7 billion agreement with the UFC isn’t just a nod to their love of the sport; it’s a strategic move to significantly boost their subscription numbers via UFC promotions. Currently, Paramount + ranks eighth in subscriber count, while Netflix sits at the top with 301.6 million users. Additionally, Pimblett’s rising fame, alongside his impressive streak of seven consecutive victories since joining the UFC in 2021, places him as a star on the rise.

Betting analysts are taking notice as well.

“Paddy’s numbers were already respectable during his Cage Warriors days, but since entering the UFC, his popularity has positively affected betting patterns. The Chandler fight saw peak betting activity in the last year, and we predict his next fight will exceed that,” stated Mark Collier, a UFC trader at BetVictor.

Future Showdown with Topuria?

“If Pimblett faces Topuria, the international interest could be monumental, potentially taking place at venues like Anfield (Liverpool) or Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid). During the era of McGregor, we experienced exceptional viewer engagement, yet Conor never realized his dream of fighting at Croke Park (Dublin). There’s every possibility that a Pimblett/Topuria bout could achieve that monumental European stage. While Topuria might be favored, even the most skeptical UFC fan cannot completely disregard Pimblett’s chances.”

White likely envisions capitalizing on the Paramount partnership to elevate interest, placing the top-five ranked Pimblett against the No. 4 ranked Gaethje, hoping for Pimblett to emerge victorious and pave the way for a significant encounter against Topuria upon his return. Additionally, there’s a major UFC event planned for June 14, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

Current Betting Odds

Initial Las Vegas betting odds show Pimblett as the favorite. ESPN Bet lists Pimblett at -210 and Gaethje at +175, with Harrison favored in her matchup at -175 and Nunes at +145. DraftKings offers Pimblett at -205 and Gaethje at +170, while FanDuel rates Pimblett at -230 and Gaethje at +176, with Harrison at -180 and Nunes at +140.