UFC Ushers in New Era with Paramount+ Partnership, Stacked UFC 324 Card
The UFC is embarking on a groundbreaking new chapter, partnering with Paramount+ to deliver fight fans an unprecedented viewing experience with no pay-per-view costs. This shift in strategy was unveiled during halftime of the Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, with UFC CEO Dana White announcing the details of UFC 324 – the first event under the new agreement – scheduled for January 24th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
A Historic Night of Championship Combat
UFC 324 boasts a card brimming with championship talent, headlined by an interim lightweight title clash between the relentlessly aggressive Justin Gaethje and the undefeated Paddy Pimblett. The winner is expected to challenge reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria later in the year. According to a company release, White described the card as “absolutely stacked – every fight is a must-see.”
However, the main event is only part of the story. The co-main event will witness the highly anticipated return of Amanda Nunes, widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time, as she defends her women’s bantamweight title against current champion Kayla Harrison. Nunes, a former two-division champion and UFC Hall of Famer, is coming out of retirement after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. “This is definitely the biggest women’s fight ever,” White stated.
Gaethje and Pimblett: A Clash of Styles
Gaethje, known for his unwavering toughness and striking prowess, has earned a remarkable 14 post-fight bonuses in as many UFC appearances. He consistently delivers thrilling performances, making him a fan favorite. Pimblett, on the other hand, remains undefeated in the UFC with a 7-0 record, showcasing both skill and charisma inside and outside the cage, earning five performance bonuses along the way.
Nunes’ Return: A Legacy on the Line
Nunes’ return is a monumental moment for the sport. Her resume includes victories over legendary fighters such as Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, presents a formidable challenge, having quickly established herself as a dominant force in the women’s bantamweight division with a 3-0 record since joining the promotion.
Beyond the Headlines: A Deeply Stacked Card
The main card extends beyond the championship bouts, featuring compelling matchups. Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley will begin his journey back to title contention against the always-dangerous Song Yadong. A heavyweight showdown between surging contender Waldo Cortes Acosta, who has fought six times in the last ten months, and fan favorite Derrick Lewis is also slated. Rounding out the main card is the return of featherweight contender Arnold Allen, facing knockout artist Jean Silva after an 18-month layoff.
Preliminary Card Highlights
The preliminary card is equally compelling, headlined by a clash between former UFC women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and former women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. A high-level bantamweight contest between Umar Nurmagomedov and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo adds further intrigue. The prelims will also feature a middleweight bout between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev.
Viewing Information and Future Events
The UFC 324 main card is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET, with the preliminary card starting at 7 p.m. ET and early prelims at 5 p.m. ET. Fans can stream the entire event at no extra cost with a Paramount+ subscription.
Looking ahead, White also announced a headliner for UFC 325, taking place in Sydney, Australia, on January 31st. Alex Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes, a rematch of their April 2023 bout where Volkanovski secured a unanimous decision victory. “I look forward to 2026 being our best year ever,” White concluded, signaling a new and exciting era for the UFC and its fans.
