Get ready for an electrifying night of combat sports as UFC 324 rolls into the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated event, set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, isn’t just another fight card; it marks a pivotal moment for the UFC, ushering in a new broadcast era under a massive Paramount+ deal. Headlining the spectacular lineup is a clash for the interim lightweight championship, pitting the explosive Justin Gaethje against the surging phenomenon Paddy Pimblett. Beyond the octagon action, fans and fighters alike are watching closely to see the implications of the UFC’s new financial landscape on fighter compensation.
The Epic Showdown: Gaethje vs. Pimblett for Interim Gold
The interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is poised to be an unforgettable main event. Gaethje, a formidable veteran and former interim champion, is driven to reassert his elite status. He aims for a third shot at the undisputed lightweight championship, a testament to his enduring grit and power. Across the cage stands Pimblett, “The Baddy,” who enters this fight with a pristine unbeaten UFC record and a meteoric rise toward superstardom. A victory over a caliber opponent like Gaethje would not only earn him interim gold but also set the stage for a blockbuster unification fight against reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, a matchup already brewing with personal animosity.
Betting Insights for the Main Event
Oddsmakers are split, but current lines favor the younger challenger. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Paddy Pimblett is listed as the betting favorite at -245, meaning a $20 wager would return a total of $28.16. Justin Gaethje, the seasoned underdog, sits at +186, with a $20 bet potentially yielding $57.20 if he pulls off the upset.
Both fighters bring impressive recent form into the cage. Pimblett rides a nine-fight winning streak, his last outing a decisive 3rd-round TKO against Michael Chandler. Gaethje secured a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in his most recent contest.
Predicted Paths to Victory
Experts anticipate an early finish in this high-stakes encounter. Pimblett is notably favored to win by submission at +140. This is an interesting prediction given his improved striking against Chandler and Gaethje’s renowned stand-up game. For “The Highlight,” his most likely route to victory is by KO/TKO, listed at +390. The “total rounds” prop bet suggests a short night, with the under 2.5 rounds slightly favored at -110. The fight is strongly expected not to go the distance (-350), underscoring the explosive potential of these two lightweight contenders.
UFC’s New Chapter: Paramount+ and Fighter Pay Concerns
UFC 324 isn’t just about championship aspirations; it’s the inaugural event under the promotion’s groundbreaking $7.7 billion, seven-year deal with Paramount. This massive agreement signals a significant shift, marking the apparent end of the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model for UFC events. While fans have largely celebrated the move to streaming on Paramount+, the implications for fighter compensation remain a hot topic of debate and uncertainty.
Former interim champion Justin Gaethje has been vocal on the matter. He explicitly refutes claims by commentators like Daniel Cormier that fighters on the UFC 324 card would see increased earnings due to the new deal. Gaethje stated plainly, “I’m not getting one dollar more than I would have made if this deal did not happen.” He attributes his financial success to his consistent performance, strategic investments, and a career bolstered by an impressive 12 post-fight bonuses. Gaethje’s income model, based on contracted win and show money, demonstrates that not all fighters rely on PPV cuts, which were historically reserved for champions.
The Uncharted Waters of Fighter Compensation
The shift away from PPV revenue creates a significant question mark, especially for established stars and champions. Semi-retired superstar Conor McGregor has already voiced his concerns, reportedly claiming his current contract—heavily tied to PPV earnings—should be considered “null and void” in this new era.
The long-term influence of the Paramount deal on reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria, who plans a unification fight, and other titleholders, is a critical point of discussion. Will the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett see a substantial pay increase upon achieving championship status under this new broadcast model? UFC 324 will offer initial insights, but the full impact on fighter pay, particularly for those accustomed to lucrative PPV shares, remains a significant unanswered question.
Stacked Card: Beyond the Main Event
While the interim lightweight title fight takes center stage, UFC 324 boasts a deeply stacked card featuring other major names and high-stakes matchups. The preliminary card kicks off at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET, all streaming live on Paramount+.
Key Main Card Matchups and Odds
Bantamweight Co-Main Event: Former champion Sean O’Malley (-220) aims to rebound from recent title losses against the formidable Song Yadong (+168). A dominant performance from O’Malley could put him back in title contention.
Heavyweight Thriller: UFC’s all-time knockout leader, Derrick Lewis (+240), faces off against the surging Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-330). Expect fireworks in this one.
Women’s Flyweight Contender Bout: Two-time former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (+310) takes on the high-flying Natalia Silva (-440). Silva is a significant favorite, looking to solidify her claim for a title shot.
Featherweight Showdown: The “always-durable” Arnold Allen (+230) clashes with Brazilian fan favorite Jean Silva (-310). This bout is widely considered a potential “Fight of the Night” contender.
Preliminary Card Highlights
The prelims also feature compelling matchups with significant implications, including:
Bantamweight: Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (+750) faces the undefeated and highly touted Umar Nurmagomedov (-1600). Nurmagomedov is a heavy favorite, showcasing his rapid ascent.
Light Heavyweight: Modestas Bukauskas (-160) meets Nikita Krylov (+130) in a contest sure to deliver heavy blows.
Pre-Fight Hype: Staredowns and Anticipation
The pre-fight press conference and official staredowns for UFC 324 were crucial in setting the tone for this “stacked” event. All 10 main card fighters went nose-to-nose, building intense anticipation. From Gaethje and Pimblett’s focused exchanges to O’Malley and Song Yadong’s intense face-off, these moments underscored the personal stakes involved. Derrick Lewis, the heavyweight knockout king, squared off with Cortes-Acosta, while Rose Namajunas and Natalia Silva exchanged powerful glares. These pre-fight rituals amplify the excitement, promising an unforgettable night of action.
Enhance Your UFC 324 Experience: FanDuel Promotions
For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to UFC 324, FanDuel Sportsbook is offering an upgraded and extended promotion. New FanDuel customers can claim a “Bet $5, Get $300” bonus. To qualify, simply register for an account, deposit a minimum of $5, and place your first real-money wager of at least $5 on any sports market, including the UFC 324 card.
Crucially, your initial qualifying wager must win to receive the $300 bonus (issued as bonus bets). A smart strategy is to place this first bet on a heavy favorite to maximize your chances of securing the bonus.
Additionally, all FanDuel customers, new and existing, can participate in “The Daily Play,” a free-to-play contest. Participants make daily sports picks, and a perfect 6-for-6 record makes them eligible to split a $100,000 weekly prize pool.
Important Promotion Terms
Eligibility: New FanDuel customers, 21+ years old (exceptions for 18+ in DC, KY, WY).
Bonus Condition: Initial $5 cash bet must win for the $300 bonus.
Bonus Expiration: Bonus bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after issuance.
Payout: Only winnings from bonus bets are paid out, not the bonus stake itself.
These promotions offer a fantastic way to engage with the high-stakes action of UFC 324.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new Paramount+ deal impact UFC fighter pay?
The new $7.7 billion Paramount+ deal, which commences with UFC 324, marks the apparent end of the pay-per-view (PPV) model for UFC events. While this is celebrated by fans, it creates uncertainty for fighter compensation. Justin Gaethje explicitly stated he isn’t receiving increased pay due to the deal, noting his income is from win/show money and performance bonuses. The main concern is for champions and top contenders who historically relied on a share of PPV sales, with stars like Conor McGregor already questioning their contracts in this new era. The long-term financial impact on fighters, particularly those who previously earned significant PPV bonuses, remains a key question.
Where can I find the full fight card and official broadcast details for UFC 324?
UFC 324 is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on Paramount+. The preliminary card is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET. The full fight card features 13 bouts, including the interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, as well as other significant matchups like Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong and Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas. Check the official Paramount+ schedule or UFC.com for the most up-to-date broadcast information in your region.
What are the key betting odds and predictions for the Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett fight at UFC 324?
For the interim lightweight title bout at UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett is the betting favorite at -245, while Justin Gaethje is the underdog at +186. Oddsmakers anticipate the fight will end early, with Pimblett most likely to win by submission (+140) and Gaethje by KO/TKO (+390). The total rounds are set at 2.5, with the under slightly favored, and the fight is strongly expected not to go the distance (-350). Pimblett enters with a nine-fight winning streak, while Gaethje is coming off a unanimous decision win, both indicating high-level form heading into this championship clash.
Don’t Miss the Action!
UFC 324 promises a night of unparalleled action, intrigue, and significant shifts in the world of mixed martial arts. From the high-stakes interim lightweight championship bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to the debut of the new Paramount+ era and its ripple effects on fighter pay, there’s no shortage of storylines. Be sure to tune in on January 24, 2026, to witness history unfold.
