Published on: January 14, 2026, at 08:38h.

Last modified on: January 14, 2026, at 08:41h.

• Casino.org speaks with UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett
• Pimblett shares that Las Vegas ranks as his second favorite fight venue, following his hometown of Liverpool
• Pimblett is the betting favorite for UFC 324

Following an exclusive interview with Paddy Pimblett, the UFC lightweight fighter, two main points emerge. First, he is eager to enhance his legacy, starting with a victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, which could lead to an exciting clash with Ilia Topuria.

This is the showdown countless UFC enthusiasts are eager to see. Moreover, besides his native Liverpool, Pimblett favors Las Vegas as a fight venue, where he will square off against Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena.

Passion for Las Vegas

“I get to headline in the fight capital of the world; there aren’t many better venues for a fighter, right? It’s Las Vegas, man,” Pimblett expressed. “All the greatest fighters have stepped into the ring here. There are only a few other locations that I’m keen to compete in. Some places don’t excite me much at all.”

Pimblett mentioned that he’s staying at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World while gearing up for his significant match. He plans to enjoy the city he loves, but focuses on the task at hand with Gaethje first.

“Often, I don’t even have the chance to eat because I’m focused on fighting, but the food there is incredible,” he explained. “I can’t wait to indulge in some delicious food after the fight this time.”

Topuria, the current UFC lightweight champion, has temporarily stepped back from the Octagon to address a personal family matter. There’s no indication on when he might return to the UFC.

Latest Betting Odds

“I’m so excited to get there; we fly out on Tuesday. This (Gaethje) fight has been anticipated for a long time,” shared Pimblett. “Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of fighting for the belt, and now it’s finally happening. Fulfilling this dream in Vegas, the fight capital of the world, makes it even more special.”

Pimblett expressed his desire to fight at Madison Square Garden in New York before he hangs up his gloves.

“That’s definitely on my bucket list,” he remarked. “I’d also like to compete in Abu Dhabi before I retire, and I wouldn’t mind fighting in Miami again (the site of UFC 314 last April, where he defeated Michael Chandler). Miami was phenomenal.”

“But, as I always say, I’m open to fighting anyone, anywhere. I want to overcome whoever is willing to step into the ring. It’s that straightforward.”

Straightforward Path to a Title Shot?

Pimblett was queried if defeating Gaethje would silence critics who claim he’s had a cushy path to the title shot. His most recent fight saw him triumph over Chandler by TKO, utilizing elbows and punches in Round 3. In July 2024, he submitted Bobby Green with a triangle choke in Round 1, and in December 2023, he won by unanimous decision against Tony Ferguson.

“People will always have their opinions. When I beat Justin, the narrative will remain the same—‘Oh, he defeated a fighter past his prime, Justin is old,’ and similar remarks, just like after the Chandler fight,” Pimblett noted. “Before facing Chandler, everyone was saying, ‘Paddy is going to get knocked out.’ Then, after I won, the talk shifted to ‘Paddy only won because Chandler is older.’”

“The narrative changes when it comes to me, and I’m accustomed to it; it’s all part of the journey for me,” he added.

Notably, UFC 324 will also feature a women’s bantamweight championship bout between champion Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes.

Current betting odds as of this morning from FanDuel show Pimblett at -230, Gaethje at +176, and Harrison at -205, Nunes at +158. DraftKings lists Pimblett at -238, Gaethje at +195, and Harrison at -225, Nunes at +185. BetMGM has Pimblett at -238, Gaethje at +190, and Harrison at -222, Nunes at +180.