Las Vegas, NV (January 22, 2026) — The UFC octagon returns with a bang, marking the dawn of a new seven-year partnership with Paramount+. The stage is set for an electrifying night of combat sports, headlined by an interim lightweight title showdown that promises to be a barnburner.
The veteran powerhouse, Justin Gaethje, aged 37 and ranked #4, brings his formidable 27-5 record into the cage. Known for his devastating knockout power, Gaethje has secured victories in three of his last four bouts. His opponent, the undefeated UFC sensation from the UK, Paddy Pimblett, aged 30 and ranked #5, rides a nine-fight winning streak into this pivotal matchup. The victor will earn the right to challenge Ilia Topuria for the UFC Lightweight Title, adding immense stakes to this already thrilling contest.
In the co-main event, the bantamweight division takes center stage with a clash between former champion Sean O’Malley and the rising star Song Yadong. O’Malley, aged 31 with an 18-3-1NC record, faces the well-rounded Yadong, aged 28 with a 22-8-1NC record. This bout is not just a test of skill but also a potential stepping stone towards title contention in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
The heavyweight division also promises fireworks as the legendary knockout artist Derrick Lewis, aged 40 with a 29-12-1NC record, squares off against the ascending Waldo Cortes-Acosta, aged 34 with a 16-2 record. Acosta, who has won seven of his last eight fights, looks to solidify his status as a future title challenger. Lewis, a former world title challenger, aims to regain his contender status with a victory.
The main card is stacked with additional exciting matchups. Natalia Silva takes on Rose Namajunas in a women’s flyweight bout, Arnold Allen faces Jean Silva in a featherweight clash, and the preliminary and early preliminary cards feature a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
The UFC 324 schedule is as follows, with start times subject to change:
- Early Prelims: 5 PM ET/2 PM PT
- Prelims: 7 PM ET/4 PM PT
- Main Card: 9 PM ET/6 PM PT
For fans eager to catch all the action, Paramount+ offers a comprehensive subscription service. With two plans to choose from—Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ Premium—viewers can enjoy a plethora of content, including live sports, TV shows, and movies. The Essential plan is priced at $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually, providing an affordable way to access all UFC events without the need for pay-per-view purchases.
This event marks a significant milestone in the UFC’s broadcasting journey, promising fans an unparalleled viewing experience. With a lineup this stacked, UFC 324 is poised to deliver an unforgettable night of fights, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead in the world of mixed martial arts.
Team_TBE Boxing
🛒 Premium Recommendations
Hisense 100" Class E6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (100E6QF, 2025 Model) – QLED, Native 144Hz, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, Motion Rate 240, HDR 10+, Game Mode Pro, Voice Remote with Alexa
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.