UFC 324 will officially launch the UFC–Paramount+ partnership on January 24, 2026, with a blockbuster card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event features an interim lightweight title clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, along with a historic women’s bantamweight championship fight as Kayla Harrison defends her belt against Amanda Nunes, who returns to the Octagon for the first time since 2023.
With six current and former champions on the lineup, the card marks a new era for fans as all numbered UFC events and UFC Fight Nights stream exclusively on Paramount+ at no additional cost.
Key Takeaways on UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett & Harrison vs Nunes
- UFC 324 marks the first-ever UFC numbered event exclusively streaming on Paramount+.
- Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett headlines the card for the interim lightweight championship.
- Kayla Harrison defends her bantamweight title against returning legend Amanda Nunes.
- Every numbered event and all UFC Fight Nights in 2026 will stream on Paramount+ with no PPV fees.
- The main card begins at a new earlier start time—9 p.m. ET.
- Additional high-profile bouts include Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong and Alexa Grasso vs Rose Namajunas.
Paramount+ and UFC Begin a New Era of Broadcasting
Paramount and UFC have confirmed that the landmark UFC 324 card will be the first event under their multiyear partnership, valued at $7.7 billion. This collaboration makes Paramount+ the exclusive home for all UFC marquee numbered events and UFC Fight Night cards across the U.S. and Latin America, eliminating pay-per-view charges for fans.
Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer at Paramount, emphasized that the full Paramount ecosystem—including CBS, Paramount+, cable networks, outdoor media, digital platforms, and theater screens—has been activated to deliver maximum exposure for UFC’s transition into its new broadcast era.
The partnership is accompanied by a 360° marketing campaign showcasing Hollywood-level production and a united effort to elevate UFC events on a global stage.
Gaethje vs Pimblett: Interim Lightweight Title Fight with High Stakes
When reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced that he would be unavailable for the first quarter of 2026 due to personal issues, the UFC moved quickly to keep the division moving by creating an interim title bout. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett—both elite finishers—now headline UFC 324.
Gaethje enters the matchup as a former interim lightweight champion and ex-BMF titleholder, coming off a Fight of the Night win against Rafael Fiziev. Pimblett, who recently dominated Michael Chandler at UFC 314, remains undefeated in the UFC and has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most charismatic and explosive performers.
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Dana White confirmed that the winner will face Ilia Topuria later in 2026 in a lightweight title unification bout.
Harrison vs Nunes: A Women’s Superfight Years in the Making
The co-main event delivers one of the most anticipated matchups in women’s MMA history. Current bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison faces UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes, who returns after a two-year retirement.
Harrison captured the bantamweight title by submitting Julianna Peña at UFC 316 and immediately called out Nunes, setting the stage for the long-awaited meeting of former teammates from American Top Team.
Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter of all time, left the sport in 2023 after successfully defending her bantamweight belt. Her return adds massive stakes and global attention to UFC 324, with Dana White calling it “the biggest women’s fight ever.”
Other Major Bouts Strengthening the Card
UFC 324 is stacked with high-level matchups across divisions, featuring former champions, rising contenders, and dangerous finishers.
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong – Bantamweight Bout
- O’Malley looks to rebound after two consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili.
- Song entered with momentum following a technical decision victory over Henry Cejudo.
Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Derrick Lewis – Heavyweight Bout
- Cortes Acosta continues his rapid climb with his sixth fight in ten months.
- Lewis, the UFC knockout record-holder, remains one of the division’s most feared punchers.
Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva – Featherweight Matchup
- Allen returns after an 18-month absence.
- Silva brings elite striking and a high finish rate into the cage.
Alexa Grasso vs Rose Namajunas – Featured Prelim
- Grasso aims to break a two-fight losing streak.
- Namajunas continues her flyweight rise with a strong record since moving to 125 pounds.
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev – Middleweight Bout
A clash of emerging talents, both with strong finishing percentages and growing international followings.
Event Schedule and Streaming Details
UFC 324 introduces a revised broadcast timing format:
- Early Prelims: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT
- Prelims: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Main Card: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
All bouts stream exclusively on Paramount+ at no extra cost to subscribers. In Australia, fans will receive all preliminary fights from each marquee numbered event along with every UFC Fight Night.
Tickets for UFC 324 go on sale December 12 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.
The Road Ahead for UFC’s New Streaming Era
UFC 324 does more than kick off a stacked fight card—it marks the beginning of a transformative broadcast era. With Paramount+ eliminating pay-per-view charges, expanding accessibility, and leveraging a vast entertainment network, UFC events are set to reach more viewers than ever before.
The January 24 event symbolizes the sport’s evolution: a blend of elite competition, global icons, historic returns, and a new digital future for MMA. UFC 324 stands not just as a fight night but as a milestone that will shape the trajectory of the organization throughout 2026 and beyond.
FAQs on UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett & Harrison vs Nunes
1. What is the main event of UFC 324?
UFC 324 is headlined by Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
2. Why is an interim lightweight title being introduced?
Ilia Topuria is unavailable until mid-2026, so UFC created an interim title to keep the division active.
3. Is Amanda Nunes returning from retirement at UFC 324?
Yes. Amanda Nunes returns after two years to challenge Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title.
4. Where will UFC 324 stream in 2026?
All UFC numbered events and Fight Nights will stream exclusively on Paramount+ at no extra cost.
5. What is the start time for UFC 324?
The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET, with prelims at 7 p.m. ET and early prelims at 5 p.m. ET.
