UFC 324 Kicks Off Paramount Era with Gaethje-Pimblett Interim Title Bout and Nunes' Return

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has unveiled the comprehensive fight card for UFC 324, an event poised to inaugurate the promotion’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount and mark the beginning of the "UFC on Paramount era." Scheduled for January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the card was partially revealed during Saturday’s UFC 323 event, with subsequent additions rounding out a significant lineup for the year’s opening numbered show.

Headlining UFC 324 is a highly anticipated interim lightweight title bout featuring Justin Gaethje against Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje, known for his aggressive, fan-friendly style, currently holds a professional record of 26 wins and 5 losses. His recent performances include a spectacular knockout victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July 2023, where he claimed the symbolic "BMF" title, and a unanimous decision win against Rafael Fiziev in March 2023. Prior to these victories, Gaethje challenged Charles Oliveira for the undisputed lightweight title at UFC 274 in May 2022, suffering a first-round submission loss. His consistent presence in high-stakes matchups and his reputation for delivering thrilling contests have cemented his status as a perennial contender in the division.

Pimblett, with a record of 21 wins and 3 losses, has rapidly ascended through the lightweight ranks, largely on the back of his charismatic persona and a string of impressive finishes. "The Baddy" secured a unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 in December 2023, following a controversial decision win against Jared Gordon at UFC 282 in December 2022. Pimblett has demonstrated a potent submission game and a willingness to engage in striking exchanges, making him a dangerous opponent for any lightweight. This interim title opportunity marks his first foray into championship contention within the UFC, representing a significant step up in competition and a chance to solidify his position at the top of the division. The clash of Gaethje’s relentless pressure and powerful striking against Pimblett’s dynamic grappling and evolving stand-up promises a high-octane main event with significant implications for the lightweight landscape.

The co-main event features a pivotal women’s bantamweight title defense, as Kayla Harrison faces the returning former two-division champion, Amanda Nunes. Harrison, boasting an undefeated professional record of 18 wins and 0 losses, transitioned to the UFC after a dominant career in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she secured multiple lightweight championships. Her UFC debut saw her quickly dispatch Macy Chiasson via submission at UFC 300 in April 2024, signaling her immediate threat to the bantamweight division. Known for her elite judo background and powerful ground-and-pound, Harrison presents a unique challenge to the established order.

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Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, makes her return to the Octagon after announcing her retirement in June 2023 following a dominant title defense against Irene Aldana at UFC 289. "The Lioness" holds an impressive record of 23 wins and 5 losses, having reigned as both the bantamweight and featherweight champion simultaneously. Her previous stint included victories over virtually every notable opponent in both divisions, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, and Valentina Shevchenko. Nunes’ decision to come out of retirement to challenge Harrison immediately for the bantamweight title underscores the magnitude of this matchup, pitting a reigning champion with an unblemished record against the sport’s most decorated female fighter. This co-main event is expected to be a clash of generations and styles, with the victor establishing undisputed dominance in the women’s bantamweight division.

Further bolstering the main card, a highly anticipated bantamweight contest pits former champion Sean O’Malley against top contender Song Yadong. O’Malley (19-1, 1 NC), who most recently defended his title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 321 in September 2025, has showcased a diverse striking arsenal and improved defensive grappling. His reign has been marked by highlight-reel finishes and strategic striking. Song Yadong (21-7-1, 1 NC), riding a three-fight win streak with victories over Ricky Simon, Chris Gutierrez, and Cory Sandhagen, has consistently proven himself a dangerous and durable force in the division. His powerful striking and strong chin make him a formidable challenger, and this bout is crucial for the trajectory of both fighters within the competitive bantamweight landscape.

In the heavyweight division, Waldo Cortes-Acosta (13-2) is slated to face veteran Derrick Lewis (28-12, 1 NC). Cortes-Acosta has been steadily climbing the ranks, utilizing his boxing background and recent victories over Marcos Rogério de Lima and Andrei Arlovski to establish himself as a dangerous striker. Lewis, known for his devastating knockout power and unpredictability, remains a perennial threat despite a fluctuating record in recent years. His last outing was a first-round TKO victory over Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC St. Louis in May 2024, reminding the division of his capabilities. This matchup promises a stand-up battle with significant knockout potential.

Another intriguing featherweight bout sees Jean Silva (14-2) take on the highly-ranked Arnold Allen (20-3). Silva, a dynamic striker who made a splash with his UFC debut, is looking to continue his ascent against top-tier competition. Allen, a technically proficient and well-rounded fighter, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Movsar Evloev at UFC 297 in January 2024, but previously held a strong win streak against formidable opponents like Calvin Kattar and Dan Hooker. This fight will be critical for both fighters as they aim to establish their position in the stacked featherweight division.

The preliminary card for UFC 324 also features several high-stakes matchups. At light heavyweight, Nikita Krylov (31-9) will meet Modestas Bukauskas (17-6). Krylov, coming off a submission victory over Ryan Spann in March 2024, has been a consistent presence in the top 10, known for his aggressive, all-action style. Bukauskas, who recently earned a unanimous decision over Tyson Pedro at UFC 296, will look to continue his momentum against a ranked opponent.

A bantamweight clash of former champions pits Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0), one of the division’s undefeated prospects, against former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo (23-3-1). Nurmagomedov has showcased exceptional grappling and striking skills, making quick work of Raoni Barcelos and Bekzat Almakhan. Figueiredo, after moving up to bantamweight, has demonstrated his power and resilience, securing a unanimous decision win over Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300. This fight represents a significant test for Nurmagomedov and a chance for Figueiredo to prove his legitimacy in a new weight class.

In a middleweight contest, Ateba Gautier (9-1) faces Andrey Pulyaev (13-2). Gautier will be making his highly anticipated UFC debut after a dominant run on the regional scene, known for his explosive striking. Pulyaev, a powerful grappler, looks to rebound from a recent loss and establish himself against new talent.

A pivotal flyweight bout features former title challenger Alex Perez (25-8) against Charles Johnson (14-6). Perez, who has faced the division’s elite, including Brandon Moreno and Manel Kape, is seeking to re-establish his championship aspirations. Johnson, known for his slick striking and defensive grappling, has been inconsistent but shows flashes of brilliance. This matchup is crucial for both fighters to maintain relevance in the competitive flyweight division.

The women’s strawweight division will see Natalia Silva (17-5-1) face off against former champion Rose Namajunas (12-7). Silva is on an impressive run, showcasing dynamic striking and a well-rounded game. Namajunas, a two-time strawweight champion, is looking to return to form after a recent split decision loss to Manon Fiorot at flyweight. Her technical striking and submission prowess make her a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

In the heavyweight division, Josh Hokit (11-1) will meet Denzel Freeman (13-2). Hokit, a powerful wrestler with developing striking, aims to continue his impressive start to his UFC career. Freeman, a heavy hitter, will look to utilize his knockout power to stop Hokit’s ascent.

A bantamweight tilt rounds out the announced preliminary bouts, with Ricky Turcios (13-4) facing Cameron Smotherman (10-3). Turcios, a winner of The Ultimate Fighter, is known for his relentless pace and gritty style. Smotherman, a rising prospect, will aim to capitalize on this opportunity to make a statement against a seasoned UFC veteran.

Additionally, a lightweight bout between Michael Johnson (22-20) and Alexander Hernandez (14-7) has been confirmed. Johnson, a long-time veteran, continues to seek consistent form, while Hernandez looks to rebound from recent setbacks and prove his capabilities against a familiar name.

Beginning with UFC 324, all numbered events will adopt a new main card start time of 9 p.m. ET, aligning with the "UFC on Paramount" broadcast schedule. This shift aims to optimize viewership for the new era of UFC content distribution, marking a significant strategic move for the promotion as it continues to expand its global reach and audience engagement. The full updated lineup is detailed below.

Main Card, Paramount+, 9 p.m. ET