The break is over for UFC bettors. The UFC is back for its first card of 2026, as the promotion returns to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, January 24, for a solid UFC 324 lineup. In the main event, Justin Gaethje takes on Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
UFC 324: MMA Betting Picks and Odds Insight
Below, I'll share my UFC 324 predictions, including my favorite pick, an underdog, a prop, and a two-fighter parlay. All UFC odds are via the DraftKings Sportsbook and are accurate as of the post date of this article.
Weight Class: Light heavyweight
Modestas Bukauskas (19-6) vs. Nikita Krylov (30-11)
Modestas Bukauskas gets a chance to fight a ranked opponent, and this is a great spot for him to get a win and enter the top-15.
Bukauskas has had some chin issues in the past, but since returning to the UFC, his striking defense has improved, while he's fast and has plenty of power himself.
Krylov, meanwhile, has struggled as of late, as his chin is an issue. He's been knocked out in back-to-back fights. I think Bukauskas is fast enough and has enough power to land something big and KO Krylov in the first or second round.
UFC 324 Bet: Modestas Bukauskas (-148)
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Weight Class: Bantamweight
Ricky Turcios (12-5) vs. Cameron Smotherman (12-6)
For my underdog pick at UFC 324, I'm taking Ricky Turcios to get a win. I expect this fight to be very close, and I think it should be closer to a pick'em.
Smotherman is 1-2 in the UFC and has lost back-to-back fights. Turcios is a difficult person to fight, as he has an unorthodox style. Both are likely fighting for their roster spot here.
Turcios should be able to land the better shots on the feet, as this will be a super competitive fight, which could even be a split decision. So, at +160, I think it's worth a shot on Turcios.
UFC 324 Bet: Ricky Turcios (+160)
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Weight Class: Bantamweight
Sean O'Malley (18-3) vs. Yadong Song (22-8-1)
For my prop at UFC 324, I'm taking Sean O'Malley to win by decision.
O'Malley is looking to get back on track against Yadong Song, and this is a good matchup for him to get the win. 'Suga' is a great striker, and in a three-round fight, I think this one likely goes the distance.
Song is durable, as his lone stoppage loss came in the fourth round against Cory Sandhagen due to a doctor's stoppage. So, in a three-round fight, I don't expect O'Malley to be able to put Song out, but I think he will land the better shots to get the decision win.
UFC 324 Bet: Sean O'Malley by decision (+110)
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Weight Class: Lightweight & Women's flyweight
Paddy Pimblett (23-3) vs. Justin Gaethje (26-5)
Natalia Silva (19-5-1) vs. Rose Namajunas (14-7)
For my parlay at UFC 324, I'm taking Paddy Pimblett and Natalia Silva to get their hands raised.
Pimblett takes on Gaethje for the interim lightweight title, and I like Pimblett to come away with the belt. Pimblett should have the advantage in the grappling department, and I think this fight will be similar to Michael Chandler, where Pimblett dominates Gaethje on the ground to either win by submission or a ground-and-pound TKO. Regardless, I expect Pimblett to get a stoppage win in the first three rounds.
I also like Silva to beat Namajunas on Saturday on the main card. Silva is someone I'm super high on at women's flyweight, as she's perfect 7-0 in the UFC. Namajunas is better at strawweight, as I expect Silva to land the better shots on the feet and mix in her wrestling if needed to edge out a decision.
UFC 324 Bet: Paddy Pimblett & Natalia Silva parlay (-128)
UFC Best Bets
Here is a recap of my best UFC picks for this weekend's UFC 324 card.
- Modestas Bukauskas (-148)
- Ricky Turcios (+160)
- Sean O'Malley by decision (+100)
- Paddy Pimblett & Natalia Silva (-128)
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