The UFC will kick off its new era on Paramount+ with a blockbuster interim lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje headlining UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. The announcement confirms the first major event under the promotion’s revolutionary new broadcast deal that eliminates pay-per-view fees for US subscribers.
Interim Lightweight Championship Showdown
With reigning champion Ilia Topuria confirming he won’t return until later in 2026, the UFC has moved quickly to establish an interim titleholder in the stacked lightweight division. The matchup pairs the surging Liverpool star Paddy Pimblett against veteran knockout artist Justin Gaethje in what promises to be a striking war with championship implications.
The interim title fight represents the biggest opportunity of Pimblett’s career, pitting his charismatic personality and improving skills against Gaethje’s established reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. For Gaethje, it offers a chance to reclaim UFC gold after previously holding the interim lightweight championship earlier in his career.
Paramount+ Era Begins With Stacked Card
UFC 324 marks the beginning of the promotion’s groundbreaking partnership with Paramount+, making major events available to subscribers without additional pay-per-view charges. The January 24 card at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena features multiple championship fights and established stars throughout the lineup.
🚨 STARTING OFF THE YEAR RIGHT 🚨
The first card of 2026 is STACKED!
Watch #UFC324 LIVE January 24 on @ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/ZwG25pNteL
— UFC (@ufc) November 27, 2025
In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defends her title against returning legend Amanda Nunes in a highly anticipated rematch. The card also features former champions Sean O’Malley, Rose Namajunas, and Derrick Lewis in compelling matchups that showcase the depth of the UFC’s roster.
Style Clash for Interim Gold
The Pimblett-Gaethje matchup presents a fascinating contrast in styles and career trajectories. Pimblett brings his slick grappling and growing striking arsenal against Gaethje’s relentless pressure and legendary power. Both fighters are known for their fan-friendly approaches, suggesting the interim title bout could deliver fireworks from the opening bell.
For Pimblett, a victory would cement his transition from prospect to legitimate champion, while Gaethje aims to prove he remains among the elite in a division that continues to evolve with new talent. The winner will likely face Topuria in a unification bout later in 2026.
Complete UFC 324 Fight Card
The full lineup for the inaugural Paramount+ event showcases the UFC’s commitment to delivering premium content under their new broadcast arrangement:
- Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje – Interim Lightweight Title
- Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes – Bantamweight Title
- Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
- Derrick Lewis vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta
- Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva
- Rose Namajunas vs Alexa Grasso
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo
- Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev
New Broadcast Landscape
The move to Paramount+ represents the most significant shift in UFC broadcasting since the promotion’s partnership with ESPN began. The elimination of traditional pay-per-view pricing could dramatically increase accessibility for fans while maintaining the production quality and event scale that has become synonymous with UFC programming.
UFC 324 sets the standard for what subscribers can expect from the partnership, featuring multiple title fights and a main event with significant implications for one of the promotion’s most competitive divisions.
