UFC 324: Preview and suggested bets for Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett and more

Will Paddy the Baddy boost his stocks once more in his toughest fight yet? Does Sean O’Malley still have the hunger to contend for the belt? Sports News Blitz’s Finn Littlewood gives his thoughts.

The UFC makes its long-awaited 2026 debut this weekend, with some big names taking to the octagon in what promises to be an electric event in Las Vegas.

Something that no doubt fight fans have missed the most is making their picks for a UFC weekend, and here I am going to talk through a few of mine and why I believe I’ve got it spot on (I have).

Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo

Rounding off the prelims is a bout that should probably be on the main card, featuring Dagestan’s new hotshot and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s little cousin Umar, who was steamrolling his way through the bantamweight division until his title loss to Merab Dvalishvili.

He’s continuing the trend of fighting champions though, in a match-up against two-time flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo.

I think this is going to be too much for the 38-year-old Brazilian to handle, with a mismatch of styles that will pay dividends for Umar.

It will come as little surprise, but I am putting all my money on Dagestan for this one.

Suggested bet: Umar Nurmagomedov to win

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Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis

In the fight before the co-main event, we’ve got one of the most entertaining UFC fighters of all time stepping back into the cage – Derrick Lewis, admittedly my favourite fighter ever.

Now, I’m going to have to come clean and say I had never heard of this Waldo guy before, but then I saw that he is ranked fifth in the heavyweight division and did actually recognise him.

He has three wins over fighters in the top 15, boasts a 16-2-0 record and, if that isn’t enough, is 6 ’4 and 260 lbs. The guy is an absolute unit.

I am now officially scared for Derrick, especially with his recent record.

He could pull off a big victory here, though, as it’s not like he hasn’t done so in the past. Wink wink Francis Ngannou.

That being said, I think I must admit defeat on this one and begrudgingly give it to Waldo. I think his power will prove too much for an aging Lewis in the end.

Suggested bet: Waldo Cortes-Acosta to win

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Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong

This one is an intriguing match-up.

‘Suga Sean’ finally makes his return to the octagon after two consecutive losses to Merab in which he lost the belt, and Song is looking to break into the top three of the bantamweight rankings and perhaps make a case for a title shot.

This one all relies on whether O’Malley is the same fighter he was before the two losses as his quality cannot be denied and if he turns up full tilt against Song, then I have no doubt he’ll come out as the winner.

Technically speaking, Sean is probably one of my favourite fighters to watch, and I’m backing that he hasn’t lost that desire to be at the top.

Suga Sean by TKO on this one.

Suggested bet: Sean O’Malley to win by TKO

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Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett

Here we have it folks, the main event of the evening, and it could be an absolute spectacle of technical fighting if all goes to plan.

One of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC in Gaethje faces off with probably the best talker we currently have on the roster in Pimblett.

This is the fight that could launch Paddy to superstar status and send Gaethje into retirement.

Still unbeaten in the UFC, Paddy has been looking better in each fight, especially last time out in a TKO victory over Michael Chandler.

Gaethje, who hasn’t fought since March last year, is probably winding down his career.

He has taken some heavy losses over the past few years too, and a loss here could really mean that’s it.

Wait for this, though – call me stupid, but I’m backing The Highlight for this one. Crazy, right?

For me, Paddy is way too hyped up and doesn’t have what it takes to compete for titles. Gaethje, on the other hand, has fought for titles and fought well. 

I really think Justin has one more big win up his sleeve and I hope this is it, so I’m going with a TKO victory for Gaethje.

Suggested bet: Justin Gaethje to win by TKO

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