UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett – Event Details
The UFC kicks off its 2026 calendar with a massive interim Lightweight Championship bout. Justin Gaethje faces off against the rising star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a clash of styles that promises fireworks.
When and where is the fight?
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Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026.
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Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (Capacity: ~20,000).
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UK Start Times: The Prelims begin at midnight (GMT) on Sunday, January 25, with the Main Card following at 2:00 AM.
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US Start Times: The Prelims start at 7:00 PM (ET) on Saturday, while the Main Card kicks off at 9:00 PM (ET).
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Main Event Ring-walks: Expected around 4:00 AM (GMT) / 11:00 PM (ET).
UFC Kicks Off 2026 with Blockbuster UFC 324 Card
The UFC is opening the year with a high-stakes event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Headlining UFC 324 on January 24, fans will witness a massive interim lightweight title showdown between the explosive Justin Gaethje and the surging Paddy Pimblett.
The Main Event: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria currently sidelined for personal reasons, the promotion has introduced an interim belt to keep the division moving.
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Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (23-3): Coming off a string of impressive performances, the Liverpool native has his sights set on Topuria. However, he has made it clear that he isn’t looking past the dangerous Gaethje.
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Justin Gaethje (26-5): Known for his “human highlight reel” style, Gaethje remains one of the most feared strikers in the sport and represents the toughest test of Pimblett’s career to date.
How to Watch: TV and Live
This event marks a historic shift in UFC broadcasting as it debuts on Paramount+ in the United States.
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United Kingdom: Fans can watch the full card on TNT Sports Box Office. It is available for £19.99 through discovery+, Sky, Virgin Media, EE TV, and Prime Video. You do not need a monthly TNT Sports subscription to purchase the event.
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United States: In a major change for 2026, the event will stream live on Paramount+. Unlike previous years, this numbered event is available to all Paramount+ subscribers without an additional pay-per-view fee.
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Live Updates: For those unable to watch, many major sports outlets will provide round-by-round live blogs and real-time coverage.
Main Card
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Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)
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Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
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Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
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Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
Preliminary Card
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Women’s Flyweight: Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas
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Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
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Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev
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Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas
