With the breaking news of Kayla Harrison’s withdrawal shaking up the UFC 324 card, the spotlight shifts intensely to the flyweight division. While Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headline the Paramount+ debut in Las Vegas, the clash between former two-time strawweight queen Rose Namajunas and the surging Brazilian contender Natalia Silva has arguably become the night’s most technically intriguing bout. Scheduled for January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena, this fight represents a classic “Old Guard vs. New Blood” narrative with immediate title implications.
Natalia Silva enters the octagon on a terrifying 13-fight win streak, fresh off a career-defining victory over former champion Alexa Grasso. For Namajunas, this is a do-or-die moment to prove she remains an elite contender at 125 lbs after a mixed run since moving up. Below, we break down the styles, analyze the stats, and provide our prediction for this pivotal matchup.
The Stakes: Title Shot or Gatekeeper Status?
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both women. Natalia Silva (19-5-1) has looked virtually untouchable since joining the UFC. Her recent unanimous decision win over Alexa Grasso at UFC 315 in May 2025 solidified her spot as the #2 ranked flyweight. A win here likely guarantees her a shot at the belt, currently held up in the Shevchenko-Blanchfield vortex. Silva isn’t just winning; she’s dominating with a blend of speed and Taekwondo that few can match.
Rose Namajunas (14-7) sits at a crossroads. Ranked #6, her 2025 campaign saw a rebound win against Miranda Maverick but a tough loss to Erin Blanchfield. “Thug Rose” is fighting to avoid the “gatekeeper” label. A victory over the division’s boogeywoman would instantly vault her back into the title conversation, reminding the world why she is one of the most decorated female fighters in history.
Tale of the Tape & Stats
- Rose Namajunas: 33 years old | 5’5″ (165 cm) | 65″ Reach | Orthodox | Record: 14-7
- Natalia Silva: 28 years old | 5’4″ (163 cm) | 65″ Reach | Southpaw/Switch | Record: 19-5-1
- Betting Odds: Natalia Silva (-410) vs. Rose Namajunas (+340)
The oddsmakers at Tapology and major books have installed Silva as a significant favorite, reflecting her momentum and volume. Silva lands an average of 5.2 significant strikes per minute with a +2.84 striking differential—the highest in division history. Namajunas, known for her precision, operates at a lower volume but historically higher accuracy in championship rounds.
Styles Make Fights: The Sniper vs. The Machine Gun
Natalia Silva: The Matrix Striker
Silva’s style is a nightmare for rhythm-based fighters. Her background in Taekwondo allows her to maintain a long range, punishing opponents with spinning back kicks and lightning-fast blitzes. In her wins over Jessica Andrade and Viviane Araujo, Silva demonstrated elite footwork, constantly circling away from power shots while returning fire with 3-4 punch combinations. Her cardio is a weapon; she seemingly doesn’t slow down, forcing opponents to work at an uncomfortable pace for 15 minutes.
Rose Namajunas: The Technical Savant
Namajunas relies on distance management, a piercing jab, and supreme fight IQ. To beat Silva, Rose must disrupt the Brazilian’s rhythm. She cannot afford to play a waiting game. We saw in her fight against Manon Fiorot that when opponents can match her footwork and out-volume her, Rose struggles to pull the trigger. However, Namajunas possesses the “X-factor”—her ability to find a finish out of nowhere (e.g., the Zhang Weili head kick) is legendary. She needs to time Silva’s entries and look for check hooks to stifle the aggression.
Prediction: Speed Kills
While Rose Namajunas has the experience advantage, Natalia Silva’s speed and volume are currently unmatched at 125 lbs. Rose has struggled recently against physically strong, high-output strikers (Fiorot, Blanchfield). Silva fits that mold perfectly but adds a layer of unpredictability with her kicking game. Expect Namajunas to have moments of success with her jab early, but for Silva to take over in rounds 2 and 3 with overwhelming activity.
Prediction: Natalia Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
UFC 324 Fight Card & Broadcast Info
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Broadcast: Paramount+ (No PPV Cost)
Main Card (9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT)
- Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)
- Co-Main Event: Status TBD following Kayla Harrison’s injury withdrawal
- Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
- Flyweight: Rose Namajunas vs. Natalia Silva
- Heavyweight: Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Prelims & Notable Undercard
- Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
- Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
- Flyweight: Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas (Featured Prelim/Main Card Opener depending on reshuffle)
FAQ: UFC 324 & Paramount+ Era
Do I need to pay for PPV to watch UFC 324?
No. Under the new media rights deal starting in 2026, all UFC numbered events are included with a standard Paramount+ subscription. There is no separate Pay-Per-View fee for subscribers in the U.S. and Latin America.
What happened to Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes?
Breaking news on January 14 confirmed that Kayla Harrison was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a neck injury requiring surgery. The UFC is currently seeking a replacement or a new co-main event, but the status of Amanda Nunes remains unclear.
What time does Rose Namajunas fight?
Depending on the final card order after the co-main event shake-up, Namajunas vs. Silva is expected to take place around 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT). Check local listings as the card is subject to change.