UFC 324 marks the official beginning of a new era for the Ultimate Fighting Championship as the promotion launches its first numbered event under a major broadcast partnership with Paramount+. Headlined by an interim lightweight title clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, the event takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Beyond the championship stakes, UFC 324 carries major divisional implications across multiple weight classes, features several high-profile matchups, and has been shaped by injuries, cancellations, and late changes that have defined fight week.
Key Takeaways: UFC 324 Interim Lightweight Title Fight and Event Overview
- UFC 324 is the first numbered UFC event of 2026
- The event launches UFC’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount+
- Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett headlines the card for the interim lightweight title
- The winner is expected to face Ilia Topuria once he returns
- Multiple bouts were cancelled or reshuffled due to injuries and weigh-in issues
- The event features major implications in lightweight, bantamweight, flyweight, heavyweight, and featherweight divisions
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Interim Lightweight Championship
The centerpiece of UFC 324 is the interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. With reigning champion Ilia Topuria stepping away from competition to address personal matters, the UFC opted to crown an interim champion at 155 pounds.
Gaethje, a former interim titleholder and one of the most consistently entertaining fighters in UFC history, entered the bout at 37 years old, seeking what many believe could be his final opportunity to secure undisputed gold. He arrived off a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev and had previously held the symbolic BMF title.
Pimblett, meanwhile, continued his rapid rise through the lightweight ranks. Unbeaten in seven UFC appearances, the Liverpool native earned this opportunity following a third-round stoppage of Michael Chandler, further establishing himself as one of the promotion’s most polarizing and marketable stars.
What Is at Stake Beyond the Belt
While the interim lightweight title is officially on the line, the implications stretch far beyond a championship strap. The winner of Gaethje vs Pimblett is widely viewed as the frontrunner to face Ilia Topuria upon his return.
For Gaethje, a victory would represent a second interim championship and potentially set up one last undisputed title opportunity. For Pimblett, it would cement his transition from rising contender to legitimate titleholder and set the stage for a highly anticipated rivalry clash with Topuria.
Co-Main Event Shift: Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
Originally, UFC 324 was set to feature a women’s bantamweight title fight between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison, but that bout was postponed after Harrison suffered a neck injury.
As a result, the bantamweight clash between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong was elevated to co-main event status. The bout carries significant title implications, with both fighters aiming to position themselves for a future championship opportunity in 2026.
Major Main Card Matchups and Divisional Implications
The main card also featured several critical bouts:
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight showdown
- Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas following Silva’s late replacement for Alexa Grasso
- Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva, a matchup designed to clarify the division’s next wave of contenders
Preliminary Card Highlights and Key Storylines
The prelims delivered several high-interest matchups:
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo, with Nurmagomedov continuing his push back toward title contention
- Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev
- Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas
Several bouts were cancelled during fight week, including Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman and Michael Johnson vs Alexander Hernandez, due to medical and logistical issues.
UK Start Time, Broadcast Details and Viewing Information
For fans in the United Kingdom, UFC 324 aired during the early hours of Sunday morning. The main card began at 2:00 AM GMT, with prelims starting at 12:00 AM GMT and early prelims at 10:00 PM GMT.
The event was available in the UK via TNT Sports Box Office, priced at £19.99, across discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Sky, and Virgin Media. In the United States, UFC 324 marked the first event streamed under the Paramount+ deal.
The Bigger Picture: UFC’s New Broadcast Era Begins
Beyond individual fights, UFC 324 represents a major shift for the promotion. The event officially launches UFC’s new long-term broadcast partnership with Paramount+, signaling a transition away from ESPN and reshaping how fans access major fight cards.
The card’s structure, earlier start times, and bundled streaming access underscore a strategic move aimed at expanding the sport’s global reach while maintaining its marquee appeal.
A Night That Sets the Tone for 2026
UFC 324 was not just another numbered event. It was a statement. From the interim lightweight title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett to the reshaped co-main event, divisional shake-ups, and the launch of a new broadcast era, the night established the narrative threads that will define the UFC in 2026.
With title pictures evolving across multiple divisions and major names either rising or repositioning themselves, UFC 324 delivered clarity, controversy, and momentum that will carry forward into the months ahead.
FAQs on UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje
1. What is the main event of UFC 324?
The main event of UFC 324 is an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at T-Mobile Arena.
2. Why is an interim lightweight title being contested at UFC 324?
The interim title was introduced because reigning champion Ilia Topuria is on a break from MMA due to personal reasons.
3. What time does UFC 324 start in the UK?
In the UK, the UFC 324 main card starts at 2:00 AM GMT, with prelims beginning at 12:00 AM GMT and early prelims at 10:00 PM GMT.
4. How can fans watch UFC 324 in the UK?
UFC 324 is available on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK for £19.99 via discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Sky and Virgin Media.
5. Which major fights were cancelled at UFC 324?
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes, Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman, and Michael Johnson vs Alexander Hernandez were cancelled due to injuries and medical issues.
