UFC 324 and What You Need to Know: Fight Preview and Betting Analysis

The first UFC event of 2026 is looking to be a banger. As well as a new streaming deal with Paramount+, this event has some exciting veteran vs hungry up-and-comer stories across the card as many of the most hyped names in the sport take to the octagon on January 24 in Las Vegas. But who are the favorites from the main card fights?

This article will look at the top four fights and look at the storylines behind them, the betting favorites to come out on top on the night and some possible underdog picks for those interested in speculation or potential value bets. This is what you need to know about the UFC 324 main card fights.

Gaethje vs Pimblett is the Biggest Lightweight Fight for a While

The headline main event of the night, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are fighting for the interim lightweight title after Ilia Topuria confirmed he won’t be ready to fight for the foreseeable.

If you’re looking for ufc 324 betting sites, it’s a good idea to check some kind of comparisons between them before you jump in. That includes odds, markets, bonuses, banking and site experience, as well as other things you might not have thought about but the experts will definitely have done. Simple.

The popular Pimblett is the betting favorite, at an average of -200 across many sportsbooks, and its hard to see him losing this one against an ageing Gaethje. Paddy is on a (somewhat controversial) seven fight win streak in the UFC, and looked dominating for his last two wins. Meanwhile Gaethje is a long-time veteran legend, but has lost two of his last five.

Gaethje’s explosive stand up power is undebatable. Pimblett, however, has not been knocked out in the UFC and is at a clear technical advantage on the mat. Paddy by submission.

Harrison vs Nunes Will be a Test for the Returning Veteran

Amanda Nunes is a true legend of the women’s UFC, a former two time world champ and one of the most powerful strikers in her division. However, she hasn’t fought for two years and she’ll be up against the four win streak Kayla Harrison who is one of the most accomplished judo practitioners in the world.

Nunes’ punching power is strong, with some early round knockouts in her 2019 prime. But she didn’t win either of her last two victories through knockout. Expect Nunes to come out swinging, but if she doesn’t lock it up in the first round or two then the much younger and hungrier Harrison’s judo skills should be enough for the win.

One interesting aspect to this bout is that Harrison and Nunes trained together for many years, and are close friends. In the run up to this fight, Nunes began training on her own – which suggests the sparring wasn’t always going her way. Harrison, by submission in round three.

O’Malley vs Song is the Former Champ’s Chance to Rise Back to the Top

As Sean O’Malley’s former walk out song goes – “if you are who you say you are, you’re a super star” – and that is what he needs to show off tonight. On his day O’Malley is one of the most aggressive, blistering strikers in the division, and there was a reason he was champion just a few years ago.

On the other side, O’Malley’s biggest strength is his knockout punching and Song hasn’t been KO’d in 20 UFC fights. O’Malley has also been disappointing in his last few fights and many people consider him to be on the decline. Despite giving up many of life’s vices in the lead up to his rematch with Mherab Dvalishvili, he arguably performed worse than in the first bout.

In this fight though, given Sean’s overall record and proven skill ceiling, he should be well ahead of Song. Both fighters will be eyeing a rematch with the belt holder Petr Yan, if they emerge victorious. O’Malley by submission.

Cortes-Acosta vs Lewis is Going to be a Heavyweight Slugger

If there was going to be one underdog bet worth backing on this UFC card, it was going to be Derrick Lewis. The American is known as the Knockout King with 9 KO victories in the UFC.

Although up against a much younger and fitter fighter in Waldo Cortes-Acosta – one also known for his knockout punching power – Lewis always has a puncher’s chance with his incredible power. At 41 years old he has two knockout wins back-to-back, although neither opponent was anywhere near the top 10.

Stylistically, it’s obvious why Acosta is favorite. Because as well as being younger, faster and arguably more technical, he’s also known for his iron chin. Meaning even if Lewis hits a big, clean shot there’s no guarantee of a KO. So, yeah, it’s not a likely bet – with odds of around +230 on most sportsbooks – but Lewis by KO is a fan service bet that could show big returns if the unlikely moment does happen.