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

UFC 324 brings one of the most intriguing stylistic clashes of the year as former interim champion Justin Gaethje takes on the ever-unpredictable Paddy Pimblett. It’s a matchup built on chaos: Gaethje’s relentless pressure, leg kicks, and knockout power versus Pimblett’s awkward striking and dangerous submission game.

Can Pimblett survive the early onslaught and force grappling exchanges, or will Gaethje’s violence break him before the fight ever leaves the feet?

Below are our best bets, fight-by-fight predictions, and a quick guide on how to wager at DraftKings.

UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett — Main Card Picks

• Location: T-Mobile Arena
• Broadcast: Paramount+
• Main Card Start: 9:00 PM ET

Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Main Event)

This is a fight that is going to be a ton of action for as long as it lasts.  I’ve been a huge Justin Gaethje fan for years, but his best fights look to be behind him.  If the version of Justin Gaethje that won Round 1 against Khabib shows up on Saturday, he will batter Paddy on the feet, but I don’t think he has that in him anymore.  

Paddy has been streaking, looks to be improving, and is huge for the weight class.  All signs point to this being a passing of the guard fight.

• Prediction: Gaethje keeps this on the feet and competitive to start, but Paddy takes over once the fight hits the ground.
• Best Bet: Pimblett by Submission +145

Charles Johnson vs Alex Perez

Johnson is the only fighter in the UFC with a win over the current champion Joshua Van, so he has all the skills to win this fight.  Perez is a good fighter and has both wrestling and striking skills, but he keeps getting into bad situations in fights.  I expect Charles to take over once this gets to Round 2/3.

• Best Bet: Charles Johnson -180

Joshua Hokit vs Denzel Freeman

Neither of these guys will be in the title picture, but I am taking a shot on the underdog here.  Hokit is great for about 5 minutes, but Freeman has never been finished.  Freeman has better wrestling and even did it in the Olympics, so if this hits the ground, I’m expecting Freeman to be the one to get it there.  I’m taking a shot on the dog here.

• Best Bet: Denzel Freeman +185

How to Bet These UFC 324 Picks at DraftKings

Placing UFC wagers at DraftKings is straightforward:

1. Open or download the DraftKings Sportsbook app
2. Log in or create an account
3. Select UFC / MMA from the sportsbook menu
4. Find UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
5. Choose your wager type (moneyline, method of victory, props, or parlays)
6. Enter your wager amount and confirm

How to Watch UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

• Streaming Platform: Paramount+
• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
• Main Card Start Time: 9:00 PM ET
• Venue: T-Mobile Arena

DraftKings $300 Bonus Bet Offer

New users can unlock up to $300 in bonus bets with a qualifying wager (availability varies by state).

How to claim the offer:

1. Sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook
2. Make your first deposit
3. Place any eligible UFC wager
4. Use bonus bets on fight outcomes, props, parlays, or round bets