UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Fight – Live in Las Vegas

UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett – The Ultimate Fight Guide

The UFC kicks off its 2026 calendar with a massive double-header at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24, 2026. This event marks a new era for the promotion as it debuts on Paramount+, featuring a high-stakes clash for the Interim Lightweight Championship.

The Main Event: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

Former BMF champion Justin Gaethje looks to reclaim gold as he faces the surging UK superstar Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria on a temporary sabbatical, this fight will crown the interim king of the 155-pound division.

Fighter Stats Comparison

UFC 324 Full Fight Card

Main Card (Paramount+)

• Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)

• Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison (c) vs. Amanda Nunes (Women’s Bantamweight Title)

• Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong

• Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis

• Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva

Preliminary Card

• Women’s Flyweight: Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas

• Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

• Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas

• Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson

Latest MMA News & Updates

• The Return of the Lioness: Amanda Nunes shocks the world by coming out of retirement to face the dominant champion Kayla Harrison.

• Paramount+ Era: UFC 324 is the first numbered event in the US that will not be on traditional Pay-Per-View, moving to a subscription model on Paramount+.

• Tsarukyan’s Take: Top contender Arman Tsarukyan has expressed his support for Gaethje, hoping for a summer showdown with the winner of this interim title bout.

• O’Malley Returns: Former champ Sean O’Malley looks to get back into the win column against the dangerous Song Yadong.

Event Schedule (January 24, 2026)

• 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

• The Lightweight Chaos: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

  The Lightweight division has been turned upside down. While many expected Arman Tsarukyan to be the next in line, Ilia Topuria’s hiatus has opened a massive door for “The Highlight” and “The Baddy.”

  • Justin Gaethje: He is looking to prove he still belongs at the absolute peak. This interim title shot is likely his last best run at undisputed gold.

  • Paddy Pimblett: This is the ultimate “sink or swim” moment. Beating a legend like Gaethje would silence every critic and turn Pimblett into one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen.

  • The Tsarukyan Factor: Arman being the “odd man out” is the biggest controversy here. As the clear #1 contender, he’ll likely be watching this from the front row with a lot to say to Dana White.

  The GOAT vs. The Successor: Harrison vs. Nunes

  This isn’t just a title fight; it’s a legacy fight.

  • Amanda Nunes: Returning after a lengthy retirement is always a risk, but “The Lioness” clearly feels she has one more point to prove against the new era of dominance.

  • Kayla Harrison: Since her arrival in the UFC, she has looked unstoppable. Facing Nunes is the only way to truly “verify” her status as the best bantamweight in the world.