The UFC 324 fight card just got officially announced and it’s a heavyweight move into the Paramount+ era. On January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the promotion kicks off its blockbuster partnership with two title fights on the main card. Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, while women’s GOAT Amanda Nunes makes her long-awaited return from retirement to challenge bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison.
🔥 Quick Facts
- UFC 324 debuts on Paramount+ on January 24, 2026, from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
- Main event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for interim lightweight title
- Co-main: Amanda Nunes returns after 2+ years away to face Kayla Harrison for women’s bantamweight title
- Card features 6 current and former champions in stacked main card matchups
Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett Battle for Interim Lightweight Gold
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The UFC 324 fight card features an explosive main event matchup between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett competing for the interim lightweight title. Gaethje (26-5, 21 finishes) holds the distinction of being a former interim lightweight champion and BMF titleholder. He’s an exciting striker known for accumulating 14 post-fight bonuses throughout his UFC career.
Pimblett (23-3, 17 finishes) carries an impressive 7-0 record inside the UFC, earning five performance bonuses with his highlight-reel finishes. The Brit’s fight with Gaethje will determine who faces reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria later in 2026 for a title unification bout.
Amanda Nunes Returns to Challenge Kayla Harrison’s Bantamweight Crown
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The co-main event brings the biggest women’s fight ever, as Amanda Nunes emerges from retirement after more than two years away from competition. Nunes, widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time, is a two-division champion and UFC Hall of Famer. She’ll defend her first title shot against undisputed bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison on January 24.
Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, holds a perfect 3-0 record since joining the UFC last year. The returning legend Nunes brings an elite resume that includes victories over Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko. This title clash marks a stunning storyline for the Paramount+ debut event.
| Fight Matchup | Records | Title on Line |
| Gaethje vs. Pimblett | 26-5 vs. 23-3 | Interim Lightweight |
| Harrison vs. Nunes | 19-1 vs. 23-5 | Women’s Bantamweight |
| O’Malley vs. Song | 17-2 vs. 18-8 | Bantamweight |
| Allen vs. Silva | 18-1 vs. TBA | Featherweight |
| Cortes Acosta vs. Lewis | 13-2 vs. 27-10 | Heavyweight |
Stacked Main Card With Multiple Championship Contenders
The depth of UFC 324 fight card extends far beyond the two title fights. Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley returns to title contention with a matchup against perennial contender Song Yadong. O’Malley is rebuilding his resume back toward another championship opportunity after recent setbacks.
The card includes surging heavyweight Waldo Cortes Acosta taking on fan favorite Derrick Lewis. Cortes Acosta has been active with multiple fights in 2025, competing for the sixth time in 10 months. Additionally, featherweight Arnold Allen returns from an 18-month layoff to face knockout artist Jean Silva.
Women’s flyweight Alexa Grasso is also featured on the card as part of what promoter Dana White called “absolutely stacked” main card that contains multiple champions and contenders across weight classes.
Paramount+ Partnership Marks Historic Shift for UFC
The UFC 324 fight card debut represents a landmark moment as the promotion shifts its business model under the new Paramount+ partnership. Dana White announced the historic deal by revealing the card during halftime of the Chiefs vs. Cowboys Thanksgiving game broadcast.
The main card will air at a new start time of 9 p.m. ET on January 24, with preliminary fights beginning at 7 p.m. ET and early preliminary bouts at 5 p.m. ET. All fights will stream at no extra cost to Paramount+ subscribers, marking the elimination of traditional pay-per-view charges for UFC numbered events.
What Makes UFC 324 One of the Most Anticipated Events Ever?
The UFC 324 fight card stands out as potentially the most significant Paramount+ debut in combat sports history. White emphasized the magnitude, stating: “This card is absolutely stacked — every fight is a must-see. This deal is such a huge win for fans with no more pay-per-view.” The return of Amanda Nunes alone generates unprecedented interest in women’s MMA, while Gaethje vs. Pimblett offers explosive striking and title implications.
With six current and former champions on the card competing across multiple weight classes, the January 24 event promises championship-caliber action from start to finish. The removal of pay-per-view access through Paramount+ could drive unprecedented viewership numbers for the UFC’s first numbered event of 2026.
Sources
- CBS Sports – Official UFC 324 fight card announcement and fighter details
- MMA Junkie – Event details and fighter information
- Deadline – UFC Paramount+ partnership and announcement details
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