You’ve seen the posters. You’ve heard the rumors. But the reality of UFC 324 is actually way weirder than just a big fight card in Las Vegas. We are looking at a total reset for how we watch mixed martial arts.
On January 24, 2026, the Octagon lands at T-Mobile Arena. It isn't just another night of fights. Honestly, it’s the funeral for the pay-per-view era as we know it. No more shelling out $80 to a cable provider. No more glitchy one-time purchase links. This is the official launch of the Paramount+ era.
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The Chaos of UFC 324 Explained (Simply)
Basically, the main event is a collision between two of the most polarizing humans in the sport: Justin Gaethje and Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett. They are fighting for the interim lightweight belt. Why interim? Because Ilia Topuria is busy being a superstar elsewhere, and the division simply cannot wait.
Gaethje is a human wrecking ball. Everyone knows that. But Pimblett? He has spent years being called a "hype job" by the hardcore fans. This is his moment to prove he belongs in the elite tier or to get found out in the most violent way possible.
The co-main is arguably even bigger for the history books. Amanda Nunes is back. Yes, the GOAT actually stayed retired for about two years before the itch became too much to ignore. She is stepping straight into a title fight against the reigning champion, Kayla Harrison. These two used to train together at American Top Team. It is personal. It is heavy. It is going to be incredibly tense.
What the Paramount+ Deal Actually Means for You
Forget the old way. The $7.7 billion deal between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings means UFC 324 is the first "numbered" event that doesn't require a PPV fee in the United States. If you have a Paramount+ subscription—even the cheap one with ads—you’re in.
Some people are worried the quality will dip. Dana White says the opposite. The broadcast team is getting a facelift too. Kate Scott is joining the desk, bringing a different energy than the usual rotating cast of former fighters. Don't worry, Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier are still the voices in your ear for the actual fights.
- Main Card Start Time: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
- The Stakes: Two world titles (one interim, one undisputed).
Why This Card is Deeper Than Most People Realize
Look past the top two fights. Seriously. The depth on this card is kinda insane.
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Sean O’Malley is back on the hunt. After losing his belt, "Suga" is taking a high-risk path by fighting Song Yadong. Song is a nightmare matchup for O'Malley because he doesn't care about the flash; he just wants to plant his feet and trade.
Then you have Alexa Grasso and Rose Namajunas. This is a "styles make fights" classic. Grasso has that crisp, Mexican boxing style, while Rose is basically a martial arts poet when she’s in the right headspace. It’s a flyweight eliminator that could easily be a main event on any Fight Night.
Wait, it gets better. Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis is fighting Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Expect someone to go to sleep. Lewis is the all-time knockout king, and he’s facing a guy who talks a lot and moves surprisingly well for a heavyweight.
The Full UFC 324 Fight Card (So Far)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)
- Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes (Women's Bantamweight Title)
- Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
- Alexa Grasso vs. Rose Namajunas (Women's Flyweight)
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
The Truth About the "Next UFC Pay-Per-View Event"
The term "pay-per-view" is technically a ghost now. UFC 324 is the bridge.
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If you're in Australia or Latin America, the streaming details vary a bit, but for the US market, the barrier to entry has never been lower. This is a gamble. The UFC is betting that by making these massive events "free" with a subscription, they will grow the audience to a size that makes the old PPV numbers look like pocket change.
Will Paddy Pimblett crumble under the pressure of a guy who eats leg kicks for breakfast? Can Amanda Nunes really reclaim her throne after being away for so long? We’ll find out in Vegas.
To prepare for the January 24th launch, make sure your Paramount+ login is active and updated. If you're planning to watch the early prelims, those still kick off on UFC Fight Pass at 5:00 PM ET before the main broadcast shifts over. Set your reminders now because the schedule for 2026 is moving fast, with UFC 325 in Sydney happening just one week later.