The UFC enters a groundbreaking new chapter this Saturday, January 24, as UFC 324 arrives at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For the first time in promotional history, a numbered event will bypass the traditional Pay-Per-View model in the U.S., streaming exclusively for subscribers on Paramount+.
Headlining this historic shift is a blockbuster Interim Lightweight Title fight that few saw coming a year ago: former interim champ Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje takes on the surging British superstar Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. With the undisputed king Islam Makhachev awaiting the winner, the stakes could not be higher.
From the “Biggest Women’s Fight in History” in the co-main event to a stacked undercard featuring Sean O’Malley and Derrick Lewis, here is your complete expert preview for UFC 324.
The Main Event: Violence Meets Destiny
If you told MMA fans in 2024 that Paddy Pimblett would be a favorite in a title fight against Justin Gaethje by 2026, you’d be laughed out of the room. Yet, here we are. Pimblett (23-3) has silenced every critic, riding a nine-fight win streak that culminated in a shocking third-round TKO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 last year.
Pimblett’s evolution from a grappler with suspect defense to a well-rounded finisher has been undeniable. His ability to weather storms and find finishes late in fights mirrors the legendary resilience of fighters like Charles Oliveira. However, he faces the ultimate litmus test in Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje (26-5) rebounded from his BMF title loss to Max Holloway with a clinical decision win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. “The Highlight” remains the division’s most dangerous gatekeeper of violence. His leg kicks and check hooks are kryptonite for pressure fighters, but Pimblett’s unorthodox movement and reach advantage (73″ vs. 70″) present a unique puzzle.
The Odds: Is The Hype Real?
Surprisingly, oddsmakers have opened with the Brit as a significant favorite, likely reacting to his recent destruction of Chandler.
- Paddy Pimblett: -230 (Favorite)
- Justin Gaethje: +195 (Underdog)
Odds are subject to change.
Co-Main Event: The Queen Returns (FIGHT GOT CANCELLED; INJURY)
The co-main event is arguably bigger than the headliner. Kayla Harrison (19-1), the current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, defends her strap against the un-retired GOAT, Amanda Nunes (23-5).
Harrison captured the belt at UFC 316 with a submission over Julianna Peña and has looked unstoppable since dropping to 135 lbs. However, Nunes remains the gold standard. After retiring in 2023, “The Lioness” has returned to reclaim her throne. This is a clash of generations: Harrison’s Olympic Judo pedigree versus Nunes’ devastating power striking. If Harrison can force the clinch early, her path to victory is clear. If Nunes keeps it at range, we might see the champion’s chin tested for the first time.
UFC 324 Fight Card & Start Times
This event is stacked from top to bottom. Note the earlier start time for the Main Card on Paramount+.
Main Card (6:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM EST)
- Interim Lightweight Title: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
- Women’s Bantamweight Title: Kayla Harrison (c) vs. Amanda Nunes (cancelled)
- Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley (#3) vs. Song Yadong (#5)
- Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
- Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
Prelims (4:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM EST)
- Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov (#2) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (#6)
- Women’s Flyweight: Rose Namajunas vs. Natalia Silva
- Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas
- Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev
Sleeper Fight: O’Malley vs. Song
Buried beneath the title fights is a banger at 135 lbs. Former champion Sean O’Malley is looking to claw his way back to a title shot after losing the belt to Merab Dvalishvili. He faces the Chinese powerhouse Song Yadong, who has finally cracked the Top 5. This is a striker’s delight: O’Malley’s sniper-like precision against Song’s explosive hooks. Don’t blink during this one.
How to Watch UFC 324: The Paramount+ Shift
The biggest story outside the cage is the broadcast. UFC 324 is NOT on ESPN+ PPV.
Under the new media rights deal starting January 2026, all numbered UFC events in the United States now air on Paramount+ for standard subscribers. This means if you have an active subscription, there is no additional $79.99 fee. For international viewers, standard broadcast partners (like TNT Sports in the UK) remain largely unchanged.
FAQ: UFC 324
What time does the UFC 324 Main Event start?
With a 9:00 PM EST start for the main card, expect Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to make their ring walks around 11:45 PM EST / 8:45 PM PST, depending on the length of the undercard fights.
Do I need to pay for PPV on Paramount+?
No. For the first time in years, a numbered UFC event is available to Paramount+ subscribers at no extra cost. It is part of the new 2026 broadcast partnership.
Who is the favorite in Harrison vs. Nunes?
Despite Nunes’ legendary status, the active champion Kayla Harrison is currently a -170 favorite, with bookmakers favoring her grappling dominance over the returning Nunes. But unfortunately the fight has been cancelled.
Why is Umar Nurmagomedov on the prelims?
It is a testament to the depth of this card. Despite being ranked #2, Umar’s fight with former Flyweight Champ Deiveson Figueiredo is headlining the Preliminary card to drive subscriptions and viewership to the early broadcast.
