Paddy Pimblett walked onto the UFC 324 stage on Thursday with the kind of confidence only he can carry chin high, shoulders back, and surrounded by a deafening wall of sound from fans chanting “Oh Paddy the Baddy!” It didn’t matter that he was stepping into Las Vegas, a territory often dominated by American fight supporters. On this day, the crowd belonged to him.
As the interim lightweight title fight approaches, Pimblett’s latest faceoff with former interim champion Justin Gaethje turned into one of the most talked-about moments of UFC 324 fight week.
Not because of trash-talk. Not because of chaos. However, because Pimblett looked noticeably bigger, a detail that fans quickly jumped on to debate on social media.
Maybe it was the shoes, perhaps it was the cut, or maybe Pimblett truly filled out more than people expected, but standing toe-to-toe, he appeared to have a clear height advantage over Gaethje.
The visual surprise added even more intrigue to a matchup already carrying huge stakes as the UFC kicks off its new era on Paramount+.
A Crowd That Made UFC 324 Feel Like a Home Game for Pimblett
The moment Pimblett’s walkout music hit during the faceoff session, the arena flipped. Fans who traveled for him and even many locals broke into song as if it were fight night.
The volume was impossible to ignore, echoing off the walls of the arena well before the fighters touched gloves.
Pimblett walked across the stage, soaking it all in. He smiled, pointed at the crowd, clapped along with the chant, and then stepped forward to meet Gaethje eye-to-eye.
Gaethje, known for being composed during fight week, didn’t blink. He stood still, hands behind his back, waiting patiently for Pimblett to come to him.
The former interim champion didn’t acknowledge the size difference, didn’t react to the noise, and didn’t let the stare down deviate from his calm demeanor. For Gaethje, fight week is business only.
The two exchanged a few quiet words, nothing hostile, a slight contrast to the fiery energy from the crowd surrounding them. U
FC CEO Dana White stood between the fighters, watching closely but giving them space. The moment remained respectful until White eventually stepped forward to separate them before things escalated.
Even without drama, the faceoff delivered exactly what UFC 324 needed: attention, hype, and a clear reminder that Pimblett is no longer the rookie prospect fans once saw.
He has star power, and this time, he has a title opportunity to match it.
Gaethje vs. Pimblett: A Clash to Open the Paramount+ Era
This interim lightweight title fight is more than just a contender matchup. It is the first headliner in the new Paramount+ era, marking a major shift in how UFC events will be broadcast around the world.
Gaethje enters with championship experience, knockout power, and a resume filled with wars.
Pimblett comes in with momentum, a strong fanbase, and a style that often forces chaos, whether he’s striking or grappling.
Seeing Pimblett look bigger during the faceoff only added fuel to the conversation. Could size actually play a role in their fight? Pimblett’s grappling-heavy approach benefits from leverage and physicality.
Gaethje’s leg kicks and pressure thrive against opponents who struggle with balance or speed. The size difference, real or not, instantly became part of the storyline.
What remains clear is that UFC 324 has evolved past a normal fight card. The stage, the platform, and the stakes have elevated it into something bigger.
The Pimblett-Gaethje faceoff proved the magnitude of what is coming on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena.
Co-Main Event: Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong Keep It Cool
While the lightweight main event may be drawing most of the attention, the co-main event between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong also captured interest during the faceoff session, though with far less tension.
O’Malley, who is attempting to break out of a rough patch after dropping two straight fights to Merab Dvalishvili, approached the stage with his usual confidence.
His bright look, calm posture, and slight grin signaled that he’s not letting recent losses shake him heading into this pivotal matchup.
Song Yadong, always composed, matched O’Malley’s energy without feeding into theatrics. They exchanged a few words that sparked curiosity but didn’t lead to any heated moments.
Both fighters know how important this fight is for their position in the bantamweight division, especially with contenders like Merab, Cory Sandhagen, and Henry Cejudo jockeying for the next big opportunity.
While not as explosive as Pimblett vs. Gaethje, their faceoff was crisp, respectful, and focused — a reminder that competitive fire doesn’t always require confrontation.
Derrick Lewis Steals the Show With the Biggest Crowd Reaction
If Pimblett received the loudest chant, the fighter who received the most overwhelming reaction was none other than Derrick Lewis, the heavyweight legend who has built a career on knockouts, humor, and a connection with fans that few fighters in UFC history can match.
When Lewis stepped onto the stage, the arena erupted. He smiled, raised his arms, and even took in the applause as if he were greeting old friends. It was clear that fans came ready to support him, and Lewis embraced every moment.
His opponent, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, stayed composed but clearly understood the assignment: this was Derrick Lewis’ moment.
Both heavyweights brought intensity to the stare down, lifting their fists as they faced each other. For a brief second, the tension felt high enough that something might break out early.
Dana White immediately positioned himself between them and stayed laser-focused on keeping the two massive athletes from starting the fight on stage.
Thankfully, the moment ended without any issues, and the crowd responded with another wave of cheers for Lewis.
Their upcoming matchup is shaping into one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights on the card, especially with Lewis always being one punch away from producing a highlight that goes viral across the world.
UFC 324: Fighters Ready for Ceremonial Weigh-Ins and Fight Night
All fighters scheduled for UFC 324 will meet one last time during the ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday, giving fans another chance to see their favorite athletes up close before fight night arrives.
The card is stacked with compelling matchups across multiple divisions, but the spotlight remains firmly on:
- Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title
- Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong in a crucial bantamweight showcase
- Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a heavyweight clash with knockout potential
Saturday’s event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas marks a significant milestone for the promotion, and the fighters know it. Expect intensity, energy, and a crowd that brings the atmosphere to another level.
Why Pimblett’s Size Moment Matters Heading Into UFC 324
Pimblett appearing larger than Gaethje doesn’t guarantee anything on fight night, but it does shift the narrative.
Fans now see him not just as “Paddy the Baddy,” the entertainer, but as a legitimate lightweight contender with a physical presence fit for championship opportunities.
The faceoff didn’t include fireworks, shoving, or trash talk. But sometimes, visuals speak louder than drama. And the visual here was clear:
Paddy Pimblett looked big, focused, and ready.
Gaethje looked calm, unfazed, and prepared for another war.
It’s the perfect contrast and the perfect setup for a title fight that could define the next chapter of the UFC.
Final Thoughts: The Stage Is Set for an Explosive Night in Las Vegas
UFC 324 is shaping up to be one of the most important events of the year and a defining moment for the fighters involved.
Paddy Pimblett showed his real size and his real presence with a faceoff that captured the attention of fans around the world.
Justin Gaethje looked like the battle-tested veteran who has seen everything and fears nothing. Their matchup promises action, unpredictability, and a high-stakes finish.
With O’Malley, Song Yadong, Derrick Lewis, Cortes-Acosta, and a stacked lineup supporting the main event, UFC 324 has all the elements to deliver a memorable night.
Saturday cannot come soon enough.