UFC 324 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about cards of the early year, not only because of the lineup but because it marks the launch of the UFC’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount+. With the event set for January at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the promotion is putting significant weight behind its first major card of the deal. And now that the opening betting odds have been released, the storylines surrounding the event have taken another sharp turn.

Two massive names — Justin Gaethje and Amanda Nunes — opened as underdogs. For longtime fans, it’s a surprising development, and it immediately adds tension and intrigue to the build-up. Opening odds don’t decide outcomes, but they do influence perception, and these numbers tell a very specific early story about how the oddsmakers see things heading into fight week.

Gaethje Opens as the Underdog for the Interim Lightweight Championship

Justin Gaethje has headlined some of the most chaotic and unforgettable fights in modern UFC history. Known for his relentless pressure, ruthless leg kicks, and willingness to wade into fire to land his own shots, he has become one of the most consistently entertaining fighters in the lightweight division. Despite that, he wasn’t given the edge when the first betting numbers hit.

In his fight against Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight belt, Gaethje found himself on the underdog side of the opening line. The oddsmakers appear to be placing heavy weight on youth, momentum, and durability. Pimblett has been active and improving, while Gaethje has endured years of damage in some of the division’s most grueling battles. That long career, as legendary as it is, comes with questions that bettors often take seriously.

But Gaethje has never been the type of fighter defined by the expectations of oddsmakers. Every time his back has been pushed against the wall, he has fought like a man determined to hammer his way through it. His power and pace make him dangerous from the opening bell, and even as an underdog, he remains one of the most unpredictable and explosive fighters on the roster. The line may start this way, but with Gaethje involved, it rarely stays static for long.

Amanda Nunes is Also Listed as the Underdog in Her Return

The co-main event features the return of one of the greatest fighters in the history of women’s MMA: Amanda Nunes. Her comeback alone brings massive attention to the card, but the early odds added a twist — she opened as the underdog.

The reasons are straightforward. Nunes stepped away from the sport, leaving questions about timing and competitive rhythm. Fighters who return after a layoff often see early skepticism in the betting numbers. Add in her age and her opponent’s recent activity, and the oddsmakers chose to lean toward youth and momentum rather than legacy and championship pedigree.

Even so, Nunes’ resume speaks loudly. Her knockout power, fight IQ, and experience in championship rounds remain unmatched. If she looks sharp during fight week, these odds could swing dramatically in a matter of hours. The number doesn’t diminish her accomplishments — it simply reflects the variables surrounding her return.

A Paramount+ Debut With High Stakes and Heavy Expectations

UFC 324 isn’t just another pay-per-view. It’s the beginning of a new broadcast chapter. The Paramount+ partnership places new eyes on the product, expands its streaming presence, and brings a fresh platform for showcasing the UFC’s biggest fights. That adds pressure for the card to deliver — and pressure often creates unforgettable moments inside the cage.

For fighters like Gaethje and Nunes, the stakes are now higher, not only because of their matchups but because of what their performances mean for this new era. Fight cards that usher in major broadcast changes tend to be remembered for years. Whether the underdog labels remain accurate is something that will unfold round by round in January.

Early Odds Spark Debate, but the Fights Will Decide Everything

As with every major event, the opening betting lines are only the beginning. They shape discussion, influence early wagers, and frame narratives, but they don’t dictate what happens when the cage door closes. UFC 324 is full of matchups capable of producing major momentum shifts, stunning upsets, and highlight-reel endings.

Gaethje can flip a fight with a single exchange. Nunes can change an entire round with one counter. And both fighters have built careers proving that underdog labels don’t define them.

With UFC 324 marking a historic broadcast moment, the early odds only intensify the excitement. Whatever happens on fight night, this card is already positioning itself as a major turning point — and the underdogs may have the most to say about it.