UFC 324 Gaethje vs Pimblett: Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC 324 begins the Paramount+ era!
Welcome to 2026 and the beginning of the Paramount+ era, as the UFC kicks off the new year in emphatic fashion with UFC 324 on Saturday night. Live from the iconic T-Mobile Arena, the first numbered pay-per-view of the year delivers a stacked lineup designed to set the tone for what promises to be a blockbuster 12 months in mixed martial arts.
Headlining the card is an interim lightweight championship clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, a matchup that blends elite violence with mainstream star power.
Gaethje’s relentless pressure meets Pimblett’s momentum and swagger, making it a can’t-miss main event. The supporting cast only strengthens the card, with high-stakes bouts including Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong, Derrick Lewis facing Waldo Cortes Acosta, and a pivotal strawweight showdown between Rose Namajunas and Natalia Silva.
The prelims are equally loaded, featuring Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo and several divisional crossroads fights. Streaming exclusively on Paramount+, UFC 324 also benefits from earlier start times, making this hard-hitting, top-to-bottom “banger” more accessible for fans worldwide.
UFC 324 Gaethje vs Pimblett: Main card
- Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Interim lightweight title fight
- Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis
- Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas
- Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Interim Lightweight title fight
The first main event of 2026 delivers immediate stakes, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett collide for the interim UFC lightweight title. With the 155-pound division already stacked with elite contenders, Saturday’s matchup could reshape the championship picture in dramatic fashion.
Gaethje, a former interim champion and two-time undisputed title challenger, enters determined to secure one final run at UFC gold.
Fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev, the 37-year-old remains one of the most consistently thrilling fighters in the promotion and has the opportunity to add another defining achievement to his resume.
Across the Octagon stands Pimblett, whose seven-fight UFC win streak has turned skepticism into belief. The Liverpool native earned this opportunity with a third-round stoppage of Michael Chandler, proving once again that his rise is no fluke. With champion Ilia Topuria sidelined, the winner on Saturday positions himself for a massive undisputed title showdown later this year.
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
The bantamweight title picture remains wide open heading into 2026, and Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong will look to stake their claim in a high-stakes co-main event at UFC 324. With the division undergoing another shift at the end of last year, Saturday’s matchup carries genuine championship implications.
O’Malley enters the bout looking to rebound after back-to-back losses to Merab Dvalishvili. Despite the skid, “Suga” remains firmly in the title conversation, having already defeated current champion Petr Yan earlier in his career. A statement win here could rapidly propel him back toward gold.
Song, meanwhile, continues his steady ascent through the rankings. The 28-year-old Chinese standout followed his victory over Henry Cejudo with growing confidence and now has the opportunity to score the biggest win of his career. With uncertainty at the top, the winner could emerge as the leading contender in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis
A pivotal heavyweight clash awaits at UFC 324 as Waldo Cortes-Acosta tests his momentum against the division’s most feared knockout artist, Derrick Lewis. After a breakout 2025 campaign, Cortes-Acosta enters this matchup aiming to prove he belongs among the elite at 265 pounds.
A graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, Cortes-Acosta has posted a 9–2 record since joining the UFC and climbed to No. 5 in the rankings. The Dominican standout elevated his profile late last year with back-to-back first-round stoppages, including an impressive short-notice win in Doha that showcased both power and composure.
Standing in his way is Lewis, who owns the most knockouts in UFC history. The 40-year-old “Black Beast” has won three of his last four by stoppage, including a 35-second finish last July. It’s a classic crossroads fight: youth and momentum versus proven, fight-ending power.
Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas
High stakes define this flyweight showcase as rising contender Natalia Silva collides with former champion Rose Namajunas in a matchup loaded with title implications. Silva enters undefeated in the UFC and riding a 13-fight winning streak, having firmly announced herself as a leading contender with a dominant decision over former champion Alexa Grasso last May.
With the division’s title picture temporarily stalled, Silva elected to stay active, stepping in on short notice to further solidify her claim. Across from her stands Namajunas, a two-time strawweight champion who has steadily adjusted to life at 125 pounds. Since moving up, “Thug Rose” has posted a 3–2 record and comes off a confident victory over Miranda Maverick.
Stylistically, the bout promises intrigue. Silva’s fluid movement and varied kicking attack contrast with Namajunas’ sharp boxing and fight IQ. The ground may prove decisive, however, as Namajunas’ grappling and submission instincts could be the key to disrupting Silva’s momentum and reshaping the flyweight title race.
Date, Time and Venue
| Information | Details |
| Event Name | UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett |
| Date | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Venue | T-Mobile Arena |
| Capacity | Approximately 20,000 |
| Prelims Start Time (US) | 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT |
| Main Card Start Time (US) | 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT |
| Prelims Start Time (UK) | 12:00 AM GMT (Sunday, Jan 25) |
| Main Card Start Time (UK) | 2:00 AM GMT (Sunday, Jan 25) |
| Prelims Start Time (India) | 5:30 AM IST (Sunday, Jan 25) |
| Main Card Start Time (India) | 7:30 AM IST (Sunday, Jan 25) |
| Where to Watch (United States) | Paramount+ |
| Where to Watch (UK & Europe) | TNT Sports / UFC Fight Pass |
| Where to Watch (India) | Sony Sports Network / Sony LIV / UFC Fight Pass |
| Where to Watch (Australia) | Main Event PPV / Kayo Sports / UFC Fight Pass |
When is UFC 324 Gaethje vs Pimblett taking place?
UFC 324 takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What time do the prelims and main card start?
The prelims begin at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, with the main card starting at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.