Wait is finally over. After a strangely quiet stretch to open the year, the Octagon is back. If you’ve been looking for what's the next ufc event, mark your calendar for Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The UFC is heading back to its home turf at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett. This isn't just another fight night. It’s a massive transition point for the promotion. For the first time, fans in the US won't be looking for a Pay-Per-View button on ESPN+. The era of Paramount+ has officially begun.
Honestly, the main event feels like a fever dream. You’ve got "The Highlight" Justin Gaethje, a man who basically treats his own skull like a battering ram, squaring off against Liverpool’s own Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett. It’s for the interim lightweight title.
UFC 324: Why This Card Is Different
Most people get wrong that this is just a regular title fight. It’s a bridge. Real champion Ilia Topuria is currently sidelined, so the winner here basically gets a golden ticket to unify the belt later this year.
Paddy has been talking a big game for years. He’s finally got the elite-level veteran he’s been asking for. Gaethje, on the other hand, is coming off that legendary BMF loss to Max Holloway. He needs to prove he’s still that guy. If you like technical boxing, this might be stressful. If you like chaos? It's Christmas in January.
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The New Streaming Reality
You're gonna need to check your logins. The UFC's new deal with Paramount+ means the broadcast structure has shifted.
- Early Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
- Prelims: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
- Main Card: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
All of this lives on Paramount+ now. No more $80 PPV individual buys for the numbered events in the US, which is a huge win for the wallet but a bit of a headache for people used to the old app.
The Massive Co-Main Drama
While everyone is talking about Paddy and Justin, the co-main event might actually be the bigger "sporting" story. Kayla Harrison was supposed to defend her bantamweight title against the returning GOAT, Amanda Nunes.
But, because this is MMA, nothing is ever simple.
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Reports just confirmed that the Harrison vs. Nunes fight is postponed due to Harrison needing neck surgery. It’s a massive blow to the Vegas card. The UFC is currently scrambling to find a replacement or elevate another fight to the co-main slot. Rumor has it Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong might get the bump to the penultimate spot.
Full Fight Card (As It Stands)
Keep in mind, Dana White loves a last-minute shuffle. But here is what you’re looking at for what's the next ufc event:
Main Card (Paramount+)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)
- Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
- Alexa Grasso vs. Rose Namajunas (Women’s Flyweight)
- Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)
That Nurmagomedov vs. Figueiredo fight is actually insane for an opener. You have the most feared prospect in the division against a former two-time champ who refuses to age.
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What’s Coming Right After?
If you miss this one, don't sweat it too much because the schedule is packed. Just one week later, on January 31, the UFC flies to Sydney, Australia for UFC 325.
That card features Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2. Their first fight was a "Fight of the Year" contender, and doing the rematch in Volk's backyard is going to be electric.
February Schedule
- Feb 7: Fight Night at the Apex (Bautista vs. Oliveira)
- Feb 21: Houston, Texas (Strickland vs. Hernandez)
- Feb 28: Mexico City (Moreno vs. Almabayev)
Actionable Tips for Fight Night
If you're planning on watching, do yourself a favor and download the Paramount+ app early. Don't be the person trying to find your password five minutes before the main walkouts.
Also, if you're a bettor, watch the weigh-ins on Friday. Paddy is notorious for his "Baddy" physique between camps, and how he looks on the scale will tell you everything about his cardio for a five-round war with a cardio machine like Gaethje.
Check your local listings if you're outside the US, as the Paramount+ deal varies by region (it's also live in Australia and parts of Latin America), but the UK still primarily runs through TNT Sports.
Get your snacks ready. The 2026 season is officially kicking off.