LAS VEGAS — UFC 324 brings one of the promotion’s most compelling lightweight matchups in years as Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje prepare to meet this Saturday (Jan. 24) for the interim lightweight championship.

The fight pairs a surging, charismatic contender with a beloved veteran known for all-action performances. Pimblett, 23-3, enters the bout undefeated in the UFC (7-0) and confident, telling ESPN he will “retire” Gaethje, a bold claim against one of the sport’s most respected competitors.

Gaethje, 37, remains a fan favorite for his relentless style and willingness to take on tough challenges. His résumé includes classics against Michael Chandler and Max Holloway. His reputation as a “people’s fighter” continues to elevate his profile for UFC 324. Pimblett insists admiration won’t soften his approach. “You’ve got to beat your heroes to become one of them,” he said, noting he expects to finish Gaethje inside three rounds.

As the fighters finalize preparations, the matchup has become one of the most anticipated non-title main events in recent memory. It is also a major driver of early betting activity across offshore sportsbooks that accept U.S. players ages 18 and up.

Pimblett’s Rise vs. Gaethje’s Legacy

Pimblett’s rapid ascent has been a central storyline for bettors tracking UFC 324. The Liverpool native has collected five Performance of the Night bonuses and shown finishing ability on the ground and on the feet. His confidence entering the Gaethje fight, including a knockout prediction, has influenced early prop betting interest, especially among those seeking longshot value on unconventional outcomes.

Gaethje brings a decade of elite experience and a history of thriving in chaotic, high-pressure fights. His durability, power, and willingness to engage in prolonged exchanges have made him a popular pick among bettors who favor proven veterans over rising stars. Offshore sportsbooks report balanced early action, with Pimblett attracting method-of-victory wagers and Gaethje drawing support on the money line from those who believe his experience will neutralize Pimblett’s momentum.

The stylistic contrast, Pimblett’s grappling and creativity versus Gaethje’s pressure and striking, has also shaped Over/Under markets. Many bettors expect a fast-paced fight unlikely to reach the championship rounds, especially since Pimblett claims the bout could end “over in two minutes” if he secures an early takedown.

Early Surge & Prop Odds

Regulated U.S. sportsbooks typically require bettors to be 21 or older and often delay posting lines until official bout confirmations. Offshore sportsbook apps have become the earliest and most accessible option for many American MMA fans. These international platforms routinely publish odds weeks ahead of domestic operators, offering moneylines, round props, submission and knockout markets, and live betting once the event begins.

U.S. bettors, especially younger fans drawn to Pimblett’s personality and Gaethje’s action-heavy style, have driven significant early handle for UFC 324. The fight has already outpaced several recent UFC main events in pre-fight wagering volume, according to industry analysts.

For many bettors, the appeal lies not only in early access but also in the broader prop menus available offshore. With Pimblett predicting a knockout and Gaethje known for highlight-reel finishes, markets such as “fight ends in Round 1,” “Pimblett by submission,” and “Gaethje by KO/TKO” have seen notable activity.

Bout Specials: Knockdown Specials*

• 1+ Knockdowns in the Fight -145
• Justin Gaethje to land a Knock Down +165
• Paddy Pimblett to land a Knock Down +200
• 1+ Knockdowns in Round 1 +290
• 2+ Knockdowns in the Fight +300
• 1+ Knockdowns in Round 2 +400

Method of Victory*

• Justin Gaethje Wins by KO, TKO or DQ +400
• Paddy Pimblett Wins by KO, TKO or DQ +375
• Justin Gaethje Wins by Submission +2800

How Will Fight End*

• KO/TKO/DQ +165
• Submission +145
• Decision +220

*Odds via Bovada

This Friday night, Jake Paul will face Anthony Joshua. Paul is a well-known YouTuber who became a boxer. Joshua is a two-time heavyweight world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist. You can watch the fight live on Netflix on December 19th. There are also several other exciting matchups that night.

The money line, which is a bet on which fighter will win, shows Joshua as the clear favorite, and the prop bets (bets on specific events within the fight) suggest he could win convincingly.

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua (Bovada)

• Paul +650, Joshua -1050

Proposition bets, also called ‘props,’ are bets on specific events within the fight, such as how the fight will end, whether there will be knockdowns, or which round the fight might stop. You can find these options by clicking the money line bet at Bovada’s online sportsbook.

Proposition Bets For Paul vs. Joshua

Offshore sports betting sites offer many types of boxing odds. You can find odds for the Paul vs. Joshua fight and for matches around the world. Bettors can combine several prop bets into parlays (single bets that require all selections to win) or use live betting (placing bets during the fight) as the fight happens.

Here are a few prop bets we think offer good value for you.

Will Jake Paul Score a Knockdown?

• Yes +500
• No -900

Will Anthony Joshua Score a Knockdown?

• Yes -600
• No +375

Will The Fight Go The Distance?

• Yes +340
• No -52

Looking at the odds above, I like betting ‘No’ on Joshua scoring a knockdown. Jake Paul has never been knocked down in the ring, and whether you like him or not, he can take a punch. Still, he was knocked out once outside the ring, which broke his nose.

Judgment Day Is Coming

The fight is called Judgment Day. Joshua is about 5 inches taller than Paul. He also has a 6-inch reach advantage. Paul thinks a win will prove he belongs in the sport.

Since his first fight in 2018, Paul has faced criticism for choosing opponents past their prime. He now has a 12-1 record. His only loss came from Tommy Fury, who is Tyson Fury’s half-brother. Paul knocked Fury down in the final round, but the judges still gave Fury the win. This was Paul’s first professional loss.

Anthony Joshua recently beat Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou. In his last fight, Daniel Dubois knocked him out in September 2024.

Who Will Win The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Fight?

All the online sportsbooks we review list Joshua as the favorite, but Jake Paul has shown an ability to surprise observers. The conventional pick is Joshua, but some bettors might consider Paul for an upset due to the potential payout. Prop bets may also offer opportunities during the fight, especially if circumstances change.

A temporary gaming facility is set to debut in Petersburg, Virginia, on January 22, 2026, marking the first phase of the larger Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia project. The interim casino will be located on the same 100-acre property off Interstate 95 where the permanent resort is currently under construction.

When completed, the full-scale venue will span 445,000 square feet and offer a mix of gaming, dining, and hotel accommodations.

Plans include:

• 70,000+ square feet dedicated to meetings, conventions, and entertainment.
• A 200-room luxury hotel with 25 suites, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center.
• 1,600 slot machines, more than 60 table games, a 22-table poker room, high-limit areas, and a sportsbook.
• Nearly 20 restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, many featuring local partnerships.
• Complimentary parking for guests.

Casino officials emphasized that hiring is underway for hundreds of positions, including dealers, guest services, and security staff.

Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino Virginia told the media: “We are thrilled to announce the opening date. Our team has been working hard day and night to welcome guests through our doors for the first time in January.”

Other VA Casinos

There are currently only three licensed casinos in Virginia:

• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
• Rivers Casino Portsmouth
• Caesars Virginia in Danville

You can also find numerous historical horse racing (HHR) machines that operate in smaller venues across the state. While technically not slots, HHR machines often mimic slot machines with pull levers and numerous gameplay titles.

All of the domestic Virginia casinos offer Class III gaming, including table games, slots, poker, and sports betting. Sports betting is the only option currently allowed to operate online within the state’s borders.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Virginia?

Current Virginia law does not permit domestic casinos to operate online; however, no state or federal laws prohibit offshore casinos from accepting VA players.

Offshore betting sites have been servicing the United States since the early 2000s and have become one of the most popular ways to wager online. With real-money payouts, welcome bonuses, reward packages, and other player perks, online betting has far surpassed its domestic counterparts in many areas of the US.

There are only seven states (Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) that license online casinos to operate. However, these casino sites are geofenced and only offered to players of age who are physically located within the state’s borders.

States that allow offshore betting sites are plentiful due to the lack of federal legislation. However, some states have blocked popular sites to boost their local casino and online sportsbook revenue.