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Why UFC 324 Is a Must-See Event

UFC 324 isn't just another fight card — it's the dawn of a new era for combat sports broadcasting. As the first numbered event under the Paramount+ partnership, this show sets the tone for how fans will consume UFC content through 2033. The promotional machine behind UFC has assembled a card befitting this historic moment: two championship bouts, elite contenders throughout, and the return of the consensus greatest female fighter of all time.

The significance extends beyond the fights themselves. For over a decade, numbered UFC events cost American fans approximately $80 each on top of existing streaming subscriptions. The Paramount+ deal eliminates this entirely — all 13 annual numbered events plus 30 Fight Night cards are included with a standard subscription. UFC 324 proves the company's commitment to delivering premium content that justifies this transformational shift.

Main Event Breakdown: Gaethje vs Pimblett

The Interim Lightweight Championship clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett represents a collision of styles, generations, and personalities. Gaethje, 36, is a proven elite who has challenged for undisputed gold twice, held interim and BMF titles, and earned a record 14 post-fight bonuses through relentless aggression. His most recent victory came against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March 2025.

Pimblett, 30, rides into this title opportunity on a nine-fight winning streak, including seven consecutive UFC victories. The Liverpudlian former Cage Warriors champion has become one of the sport's biggest draws through charisma, finishing ability, and his third-round TKO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314. His bitter rivalry with current champion Ilia Topuria adds extra stakes — victory over Gaethje sets up the grudge match fans have demanded.

Co-Main Event: Harrison vs Nunes for Women's GOAT Status

Kayla Harrison captured the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship by submitting Julianna Peña at UFC 316, completing a remarkable transition from Olympic judo dominance to MMA supremacy. The 35-year-old holds gold medals from 2012 and 2016, two PFL titles, and now UFC championship gold — all with only one professional loss.

Amanda Nunes, inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025, returns specifically to challenge Harrison. "The Lioness" dominated women's MMA for nearly a decade, simultaneously holding featherweight and bantamweight titles while defeating legendary opponents including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko. At 37, she comes out of retirement not for a tune-up fight, but for the ultimate challenge against the sport's rising queen.

Stacked UFC 324 Fight Card

UFC President Dana White announced the full main card on Thanksgiving Day, revealing matchups worthy of the Paramount+ debut:

• Main Event: Justin Gaethje (26-5) vs Paddy Pimblett (23-3) – Interim UFC Lightweight Title
• Co-Main: Kayla Harrison (c) (19-1) vs Amanda Nunes (23-5) – Women's Bantamweight Title
• Sean O'Malley (18-3) vs Song Yadong (22-8-1) – Bantamweight contender bout
• Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2) vs Derrick Lewis (29-12) – Heavyweight showdown
• Arnold Allen (20-3) vs Jean Silva (16-3) – Featherweight action
• Alexa Grasso (16-5-1) vs Rose Namajunas (15-7) – Former women's champions collide
• Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo – Elite bantamweight clash
• Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas – Light Heavyweight bout
• Ateba Gautier (9-1) vs Andrey Pulyaev (10-3) – Middleweight rising stars

Sean O'Malley's Road Back to Gold

Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley (18-3) faces Chinese contender Song Yadong (22-8-1) in his first non-title fight since 2022. "Suga" lost the 135-pound strap to Merab Dvalishvili before dropping an immediate rematch via submission at UFC 316. The striking specialist must defeat Song to remain in the title picture. Song most recently earned a technical decision over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, positioning himself as a dangerous obstacle in O'Malley's comeback.

UFC 324 Event Schedule

UFC 324 follows a new earlier broadcast schedule under the Paramount+ partnership:

• 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 main event walkouts typically occur approximately three hours after the main card begins. All fights stream exclusively on Paramount+ at no additional pay-per-view cost.

T-Mobile Arena Fight Night Experience

T-Mobile Arena has established itself as one of the premier combat sports venues globally since opening in 2016. Located on the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Park MGM, the 20,000-seat arena delivers exceptional sightlines from every section, arena-shaking acoustics, and massive video displays ensuring you never miss a moment of action.

Fight week in Las Vegas extends beyond the arena walls. Ceremonial weigh-ins, press conferences, athlete appearances, and fan experiences fill the days leading up to the event. Official UFC VIP Experience packages offer premium seating, exclusive hospitality, weigh-in access, and potential meet-and-greets for fans seeking the ultimate experience. Follow @UFC on Instagram for announcements on additional fight week activities.

How to Get UFC 324 Tickets

Primary market tickets go on sale December 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT via AXS.com. UFC Fight Club members gain early presale access beginning December 11. Our ticket marketplace connects fans with verified resellers offering competitive prices across all seating sections. Every listing includes transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees — the price you see is the price you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions About UFC 324

What date is UFC 324 and where is it held?

UFC 324 takes place Saturday, January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The venue is located at 3780 Las Vegas Boulevard South on the Strip, between New York-New York and Park MGM. This event marks the first numbered UFC card under the new Paramount+ broadcast partnership, making it a historic occasion for the promotion.

Who headlines UFC 324?

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headline UFC 324 in an Interim Lightweight Championship bout. Gaethje (26-5) is a former interim champion and BMF titleholder, while Pimblett (23-3) rides a nine-fight winning streak into his first UFC title shot. The winner will face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria for title unification later in 2026.

What is the UFC 324 co-main event?

Reigning UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Kayla Harrison (19-1) defends against returning legend Amanda Nunes (23-5). Harrison is a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist who won UFC gold by submitting Julianna Pena. Nunes, the consensus greatest female fighter ever and UFC Hall of Famer, returns from retirement specifically for this superfight that Dana White calls the biggest women's fight in history.

Why isn't Ilia Topuria fighting at UFC 324?

Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he will not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal family matters. The UFC created the interim title bout between Gaethje and Pimblett to keep the division active, with the winner scheduled to face Topuria in a unification bout later in the year.

Do I need to buy pay-per-view for UFC 324?

No. UFC 324 is included with your Paramount+ subscription at no additional charge. This is the first numbered event under the new broadcast partnership, which eliminates pay-per-view costs for American fans. All 13 annual numbered events plus 30 Fight Night cards stream on Paramount+ as part of the historic seven-year, $7.7 billion deal.

When do UFC 324 tickets go on sale?

General public ticket sales begin Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM PT through AXS.com. UFC Fight Club members can access presale tickets starting December 11. VIP Experience packages with premium seating and exclusive hospitality are available through UFCVIP.com.

What time does UFC 324 start?

UFC 324 follows a new earlier schedule. The main card begins at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT), one hour earlier than traditional pay-per-view events. Prelims start at 7:00 PM ET and early prelims at 5:00 PM ET. Main event fighters typically walk out approximately three hours into the main card broadcast.

What other fights are on the UFC 324 card?

Beyond the two title fights, UFC 324 features former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley versus Song Yadong, heavyweights Waldo Cortes-Acosta versus Derrick Lewis, featherweights Arnold Allen versus Jean Silva, former strawweight champions Alexa Grasso versus Rose Namajunas, bantamweights Umar Nurmagomedov versus Deiveson Figueiredo, and light heavyweights Nikita Krylov versus Modestas Bukauskas.

How many champions are fighting at UFC 324?

Six current and former UFC champions appear on the UFC 324 card: Justin Gaethje (former interim lightweight, former BMF), Kayla Harrison (current bantamweight), Amanda Nunes (former two-division champion), Sean O'Malley (former bantamweight), Alexa Grasso (former flyweight), and Rose Namajunas (former two-time strawweight champion).

What is the Paramount+ UFC deal?

Paramount and UFC agreed to a seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights partnership making Paramount+ the exclusive home of UFC in the United States and Latin America. Starting with UFC 324, all numbered events and Fight Night cards are included with a standard Paramount+ subscription, eliminating pay-per-view charges. Select numbered events may also simulcast on CBS.

Is Amanda Nunes really coming out of retirement?

Yes. Amanda Nunes retired in June 2023 after defeating Irene Aldana and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025. She announced her return specifically to face the winner of Harrison versus Pena at UFC 316. This fight against Kayla Harrison represents Nunes attempting to reclaim the bantamweight title she voluntarily vacated.

What is Paddy Pimblett's current winning streak?

Paddy Pimblett is on a nine-fight winning streak overall and holds a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC. His victories include finishes over Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas, Jordan Leavitt, King Green, and Michael Chandler (TKO at UFC 314), plus decisions over Jared Gordon and Tony Ferguson. Five of his seven UFC wins have come by stoppage.

How much do UFC 324 tickets cost?

UFC 324 ticket prices vary by section, ranging from several hundred dollars for upper bowl seats to thousands for premium floor locations near the octagon. Our marketplace offers verified resellers with competitive pricing and all fees included upfront. UFC VIP Experience packages with hospitality and exclusive access are available at various price tiers.

Where is T-Mobile Arena located?

T-Mobile Arena sits at 3780 Las Vegas Boulevard South on the Las Vegas Strip, positioned between New York-New York and Park MGM casinos. The venue is accessible via rideshare, taxi, or the Las Vegas Monorail. Paid parking is available in surrounding garages. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options are within walking distance.

What should I bring to UFC 324?

Bring your mobile ticket, valid ID, and only permitted personal items. T-Mobile Arena enforces a clear bag policy for UFC events, so check their website before packing any bags. Arrive 60-90 minutes early for security screening. The arena offers various food and beverage options, with shorter lines during prelim fights. Las Vegas in January can be cooler than expected, so bring layers for evening walks.