The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) kicked off its 2026 calendar with a seismic shift, introducing not only thrilling combat but also a revolutionary new way for fans to experience every punch, kick, and submission. UFC 324, held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, headlined an electrifying interim lightweight championship bout. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett clashed in a highly anticipated contest that captivated audiences globally. Beyond the octagon action, this event marked a pivotal moment for MMA enthusiasts: the official transition to Paramount+ as the exclusive streaming home for all UFC fights. This strategic move eliminates the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model, offering subscribers unprecedented access to the sport.
The Epic Interim Title Showdown: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
The main event of UFC 324 saw two of the lightweight division’s most exciting fighters, Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (26-5-0) and Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (23-3-0), battle for the interim lightweight championship. This high-stakes matchup arose due to the current champion, Ilia Topuria, stepping away from the octagon for personal reasons. Both men had a golden opportunity to claim temporary divisional supremacy.
Gaethje, a former interim champion and “BMF” titleholder, entered the fight with a reputation for relentless aggression and devastating power. Pimblett, making his first UFC main event appearance, surprisingly entered as a significant favorite, with BetMGM oddsmakers placing him at -235 against Gaethje’s +190. This set the stage for a clash of styles and an intriguing narrative.
The five-round war unfolded with intense exchanges from the start. Gaethje secured an early knockdown in the first round, sending Pimblett to the canvas. However, “The Baddy” showed resilience, quickly returning to his feet and countering with powerful punches and effective leg kicks. The second round saw Gaethje hunting for knockout blows, while Pimblett diversified his striking. Gaethje again scored a late knockdown, maintaining control until the bell.
As the fight progressed, Pimblett’s face displayed significant damage, yet he found a rhythm in the third round, confidently asserting it as “my round.” Gaethje, momentarily hampered by a perceived issue with his right hand, reignited his offense in the championship rounds. He appeared to rock Pimblett multiple times in the fourth. The final round was a furious exchange, with both fighters pushing their personal bests for strikes landed. After 25 grueling minutes, Justin Gaethje emerged victorious via unanimous decision, claiming his second interim lightweight belt. This sets up a highly anticipated title unification bout with Ilia Topuria upon the champion’s return.
A Historic Shift: UFC Finds a New Home on Paramount+
UFC 324 wasn’t just about the incredible fights; it heralded a monumental change in how fans access their favorite combat sport. The UFC officially moved its broadcasting exclusively to Paramount+, marking the end of the traditional pay-per-view era for subscribers. This shift is a game-changer, making all numbered UFC events and Fight Nights accessible at no additional cost beyond a standard Paramount+ subscription.
This partnership with Paramount+ is designed to be the definitive “one-stop shop” for UFC content. Subscribers gain access not only to live events like UFC 324 but also to a comprehensive library of past fights, news clips, fight reactions, and commentary. The new UFC interface within Paramount+ promises an enhanced user experience, featuring dedicated hubs for individual fighters, event schedules, and information on upcoming bouts. This transition makes UFC content significantly more “wallet-friendly” compared to the 2025 landscape, where many fights still required separate PPV purchases.
Your Guide to UFC 324: Full Fight Card and Schedule
UFC 324 delivered a stacked card, featuring a compelling mix of established stars and rising contenders across multiple weight classes. The event schedule was meticulously planned to maximize fan engagement, starting with early prelims and building to the main card.
Event Schedule for UFC 324:
Early Prelims: Began at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT
Regular Prelims: Began at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Main Card: Kicked off at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
UFC 324 Full Fight Card:
Main Card (9 p.m. ET):
Interim Lightweight Championship: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Gaethje won via unanimous decision)
Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong (O’Malley won via decision)
Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
Women’s Flyweight: Natália Silva vs. Rose Namajunas
Featherweight: Jean Silva vs. Arnold Allen
Prelims (7 p.m. ET):
Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev
Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas
Early Prelims (5 p.m. ET):
Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson
Lightweight: Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez
Heavyweight: Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman (Hokit won via first-round TKO)
Bantamweight: Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron Smotherman
Welterweight: Ty Miller vs. Adam Fugitt (Miller won via first-round TKO)
Recognizing Octagon Excellence: UFC 324 Performance Bonuses
Following the conclusion of UFC 324, four fighters were recognized for their outstanding performances, each receiving an additional $100,000 bonus. These bonuses highlight the thrilling action and decisive finishes that unfolded throughout the night.
Fight of the Night: Unsurprisingly, the “absolutely thrilling five-round war” between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett earned both men this coveted honor. Their relentless exchanges and grit made for an unforgettable main event.
Performance of the Night: Ty Miller pocketed a bonus for his impressive first-round TKO victory over Adam Fugitt in their welterweight bout.
Performance of the Night: Josh Hokit also secured a bonus with his dominant first-round TKO against Denzel Freeman during the early prelims, showcasing his power in the heavyweight division.
These bonuses underscore the high level of competition and the UFC’s commitment to rewarding exceptional performances.
Paramount+: Your Comprehensive UFC Streaming Hub
The transition to Paramount+ offers two primary subscription tiers, providing flexibility for fans looking to dive into the world of UFC and a vast array of other entertainment options.
Paramount+ Essential: Priced at $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually, this ad-supported plan provides full access to all live UFC events, NFL games, UEFA Champions League soccer, and a wide selection of movies and shows.
- Paramount+ Premium: At $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually, this ad-free option includes everything in the Essential plan plus additional features, including Showtime originals, movies, and documentaries.
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Both tiers offer access to 13 numbered marquee UFC events in 2026, all UFC Fight Night events, and an extensive on-demand library. This comprehensive offering solidifies Paramount+ as the premier destination for UFC fans, significantly enhancing accessibility and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main outcome of UFC 324’s main event?
The main event of UFC 324, held on January 24, 2026, saw Justin Gaethje defeat Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision. This victory earned Gaethje the interim UFC Lightweight Championship after a thrilling five-round war at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His win sets the stage for a future title unification bout against undisputed champion Ilia Topuria.
How can I now watch all UFC events, including past and future fights?
As of UFC 324 in January 2026, all Ultimate Fighting Championship events, including numbered pay-per-view cards and Fight Nights, are exclusively streamed on Paramount+. Subscribers to either the Paramount+ Essential ($8.99/month) or Paramount+ Premium ($13.99/month) plans gain access to all live events and a comprehensive on-demand library of past fights, news, and commentary without any additional PPV fees.
Is a Paramount+ subscription worth it for UFC fans in 2026?
Yes, a Paramount+ subscription offers significant value for dedicated UFC fans in 2026. With the exclusive partnership, Paramount+ is now the only platform to access all live UFC numbered events and Fight Nights without extra pay-per-view costs. Beyond MMA, subscribers also enjoy a vast library of other sports content like NFL and UEFA Champions League, plus critically acclaimed movies and shows, making it a comprehensive entertainment package for the price.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Lightweight Division
UFC 324 was a landmark event, not only for the unforgettable clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett but also for ushering in a new era of UFC content accessibility. Gaethje’s interim title victory firmly positions him for a highly anticipated unification bout against the undefeated Ilia Topuria, a fight that will undoubtedly shape the lightweight division for years to come. For fans, the move to Paramount+ represents a positive evolution, promising more consistent and affordable access to the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. Get ready to witness more history as the UFC continues to innovate both inside and outside the octagon.
