The lights are brighter, the cameras are newer, and the platform has changed, but the scale remains the unforgiving judge it has always been. As we approach this Friday’s official weigh-ins for UFC 324, the MMA world turns its collective gaze toward Las Vegas. This isn’t just another fight week; it is the dawn of the Paramount+ era, and the drama is already palpable.
Headlining the card is a clash for the Interim Lightweight Championship between the violent artisan Justin Gaethje and the polarizing Liverpool sensation, Paddy Pimblett. While the fight itself promises fireworks, the battle before the battle—the Friday morning weigh-in—holds its own suspense. Will “The Baddy” hit the 155lb mark smoothly? Will the ceremonial face-off ignite a pre-fight brawl?
Here is your comprehensive preview of the tension on the scale for UFC 324, including a deep dive into the science of the cut and what to watch for as the clock ticks down.
The Main Event: Professionalism vs. Wild Fluctuations
The narrative entering this Friday is a tale of two very different professionals. On one side, you have Justin Gaethje, a veteran who treats weight cutting with the precision of a collegiate wrestler. On the other, Paddy Pimblett, whose weight fluctuations are the stuff of internet legend.
Justin Gaethje: The Gold Standard
Gaethje seldom misses. His background in NCAA Division I wrestling has instilled a discipline that few can rival. For him, the weight cut is a calculated dehydration process, not a frantic scramble. Expect Gaethje to step onto the scale early in the window, likely hitting 155 lbs on the nose (or 154.5 lbs to be safe), looking drawn but focused.
His demeanor during fight week has been stoic. He knows the danger Pimblett presents, but he also knows that the scale is the first opponent he has defeated dozens of times before. For bettors and fans, a smooth cut for Gaethje is almost a non-variable.
Paddy Pimblett: The Wild Card
Conversely, Paddy Pimblett’s relationship with the scale has been a rollercoaster documentation of modern MMA dieting. Known for ballooning up to 200+ lbs between camps, Pimblett’s descent to 155 lbs is always a major talking point.
Recall UFC 314, where Pimblett shed nearly 40 lbs to silence critics and finish Michael Chandler. He made the weight, but the visual toll was undeniable. This Friday, all eyes will be on his gait and his eyes as he steps up. Is he sunken? Is he irritable? These are the tell-tale signs of a brutal water cut that could impact his chin recovery on Saturday night.
- Watch for: The use of the barrier (towel). If Pimblett needs the towel, it indicates he is cutting to the absolute last ounce.
- Body Language: A depleted fighter often moves slowly and speaks in hushed tones to conserve energy. If Paddy is loud and boisterous on the scale, he’s likely hydrated well.
The Science of the Cut: Why It Matters
To understand the drama, one must understand the physiology. Weight cutting is not fat loss; it is acute dehydration. Fighters manipulate their body’s water content to temporarily meet a regulatory requirement.
When a fighter like Pimblett cuts large amounts of weight, they are essentially draining the fluid from their muscles and organs. The danger lies in the rehydration. If the brain does not reabsorb enough fluid before the fight, the protective cushion of cerebrospinal fluid is reduced, making the fighter more susceptible to knockouts. This is why the weigh-in condition is a critical predictor for the fight itself.
The Co-Main Event: O’Malley vs. Yadong
With Kayla Harrison’s unfortunate withdrawal, the bantamweight clash between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong has been elevated to the co-main event. The bantamweight limit (135 lbs) is notoriously difficult to hit for taller fighters like O’Malley.
O’Malley has historically been professional, but as he ages, the cut doesn’t get easier. Yadong, a powerhouse at 135, rarely shows weakness on the scale. This face-off will be interesting for size comparison; O’Malley’s reach advantage is usually visually striking when they stand nose-to-nose.
The Face-Off: Psychology Warfare
Once the official weights are recorded, the ceremonial weigh-ins take place in front of the fans. This is pure theater, but it is also psychological warfare. The face-off is the final moment fighters are in close proximity before the cage door locks.
Historically, face-offs can reveal fear, overconfidence, or pure focus.
- The “Look Away”: Some sports psychologists suggest that the fighter who breaks eye contact first is submissive. However, fighters like Fedor Emelianenko famously never looked at opponents, staring at the floor instead, simply because they didn’t care.
- The Physical Touch: If Gaethje puts a fist near Paddy’s chin, or if Paddy talks trash, watch the reaction. An emotional reaction burns adrenaline. The fighter who stays calm conserves energy for the bout.
The Paramount+ Era: A New Broadcast Vibe?
UFC 324 marks a significant shift as the promotion moves its primary broadcast partner to Paramount+. For fans watching the weigh-ins at home, this might mean higher production values, new camera angles, or different commentators handling the desk.
Weigh-in shows have evolved from simple documentation to full-blown spectacles with analysts and live interviews. Expect the Paramount production team to highlight the “Weight Cut Journey” of stars like Pimblett, likely showing behind-the-scenes footage of the sweat equity paid in the sauna.
Final Thoughts
Friday morning is the first round of the fight. If Paddy Pimblett misses weight, he loses a percentage of his purse and, more importantly, the chance to win the Interim Title. If Justin Gaethje looks too drained, his legendary durability might be compromised.
Keep your browser refreshed and your eyes on the scale. In this sport, the fight doesn’t start when the bell rings; it starts when the needle settles.
FAQ: UFC Weigh-Ins & Weight Cutting
Why do UFC fighters cut weight?
Fighters cut weight to compete in a weight class lower than their natural body weight. The goal is to be the larger, stronger competitor on fight night after rehydrating. For example, a fighter weighing 155 lbs on Friday might weigh 175 lbs by Saturday night.
What happens if a fighter misses weight?
If a fighter misses the weight limit (e.g., weighing 156.5 lbs for a non-title 155 lb fight), they are usually fined 20-30% of their fight purse, which goes to their opponent. In title fights, like Gaethje vs. Pimblett, missing weight means the fighter is ineligible to win the championship belt.
Is weight cutting dangerous?
Yes, extreme weight cutting is considered one of the most dangerous aspects of MMA. It can lead to kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, and increased susceptibility to concussions. The UFC and athletic commissions have implemented protocols to try and minimize these risks, but it remains a prevalent practice.
What is the difference between the official weigh-in and the ceremonial weigh-in?
The official weigh-in happens in the morning at the fighter hotel, where the actual weight is recorded by the commission. This is private and strictly business. The ceremonial weigh-in happens later in the afternoon in an arena; it is a show for the fans where fighters step on a scale (already having made weight) and face off for the cameras.
How much weight does Paddy Pimblett usually cut?
Paddy Pimblett has admitted to ballooning up to 200 lbs or more between fights. This means he often has to lose 40-50 lbs during a training camp to make the 155 lb Lightweight limit, a process that requires strict dieting and intense dehydration in the final week.
