UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje to headline stacked card for Paramount debut with interim title fight

The UFC will kick off a new chapter with its debut broadcast on Paramount, headlined by an interim lightweight title clash between fan favorites Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. UFC 324 is scheduled for January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the five-round main event determining the interim champion.

This fight comes after UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced a temporary hiatus during the first quarter of 2026, citing personal reasons. Pimblett vs. Gaethje now takes center stage in the promotion's new era.

Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes

The co-main event features reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defending her title against MMA legend Amanda Nunes. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and former PFL champion, has dominated her opponents since joining the UFC. Nunes, widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters ever, returns to the Octagon following her 2023 retirement.

Other Key Fights

• Featherweight rematch: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia on January 31
• Bantamweight: Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong
• Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
• Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
• Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
• Women's Flyweight: Alexa Grasso vs. Rose Namajunas
• Light Heavyweight: Modestas Bukauskas vs. Nikita Krylov
• Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulayev

Fighter Highlights

Justin Gaethje (26-5) returns to high-stakes competition after his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, seeking to reclaim glory in the lightweight division. Known for his explosive style, Gaethje remains one of the most thrilling competitors in MMA.

Paddy Pimblett (23-3) steps up for an interim title shot after impressive victories over Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, aiming to prove himself against one of the divisions toughest veterans.

Harrisons challenge against Nunes represents a defining moment in her career, giving her the opportunity to face her former teammate and one of the all-time greats in the sport. Nunes return brings unmatched experience and legacy to the Octagon, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash.

UFCs Paramount Era Begins

UFC recently secured a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount and CBS, following a six-year run with ESPN. UFC CEO Dana White announced the fight card during the Thanksgiving Day NFL game halftime show, signaling the start of a new broadcast era.

With UFC 324s main bouts confirmed, more matchups are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, ensuring the card remains stacked with exciting fights across multiple weight classes.

UFC 324: A New Era Begins with High-Stakes Fights

UFC 324 marks a significant milestone for the promotion, with its debut on Paramount as the official broadcast partner. The event, set to take place on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, will feature an exciting interim lightweight title bout between fan favorites Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. This highly anticipated main event is set against the backdrop of UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s temporary hiatus, which has reshaped the division's landscape.

The event's co-main event features an electrifying women's bantamweight title defense by Kayla Harrison against MMA legend Amanda Nunes. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former PFL champion, will face Nunes, a fighter widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. This matchup represents a major test for Harrison, as she looks to cement her legacy by defeating one of the sport’s most respected athletes.

Justin Gaethje's return to the Octagon after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 highlights the stakes for the lightweight division. Gaethje (26-5) is known for his explosive fighting style and will be eager to reclaim his position as a top contender. On the other side, Pimblett (23-3) is on a mission to prove himself worthy of the interim title after impressive victories over Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler.

The new partnership between UFC and Paramount marks a shift in broadcasting, with UFC signing a massive seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with the network and CBS. UFC CEO Dana White officially announced the fight card during the Thanksgiving Day NFL halftime show, signaling a new era for the sport’s broadcast. The exciting matchups set for UFC 324, including the featured fights and additional bouts across multiple weight classes, promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

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• UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje interim title fight headlines stacked card for Paramount debut