Get ready for an electrifying start to 2026 as the UFC kicks off its partnership with Paramount+! This Saturday, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host UFC 324, a stacked card featuring some of the sport's biggest stars and most anticipated matchups. From interim title clashes to divisional showdowns, this event promises to be an action-packed spectacle.
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett
In the main event, it's a battle for the interim lightweight championship between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje, a two-time undisputed title challenger and former interim champ, is seeking one last shot at gold. With a stellar record and a reputation as one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history, he aims to add another interim title to his resume.
On the other side, we have Paddy Pimblett, known as "Paddy the Baddy." Since joining the UFC, he's been an electric presence, racking up seven straight wins and climbing the lightweight ranks. Each time experts doubted him, Pimblett proved them wrong, earning his spot in this interim title fight with a dominant win over Michael Chandler.
With reigning champ Ilia Topuria taking a break, this interim bout was a no-brainer. Gaethje's consistent championship conversations and Pimblett's impressive winning streak make for an intriguing matchup. The winner will set up a massive undisputed title clash with Topuria whenever he returns.
But here's where it gets controversial... Who will prevail in this highly anticipated clash? Will Gaethje's experience and technical prowess prevail, or will Pimblett's relentless aggression and fan-favorite status carry him to victory?
Additional Main Card Matchups
Sean O'Malley vs Song Yadong:
The bantamweight division is in flux, and Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong are looking to make their mark. O'Malley, despite a recent two-fight slide against Merab Dvalishvili, still has a chance to challenge for the title with a win over Song. Song, on the other hand, has made steady progress and is coming off a victory over Henry Cejudo. This co-main event could determine the next title contender.
Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Derrick Lewis:
Following a breakout year, Waldo Cortes Acosta takes on the legendary Derrick Lewis, the UFC's most prolific knockout artist. Cortes Acosta, a member of the Dana White's Contender Series Class of '22, has risen to No. 5 in the rankings with an impressive 9-2 record. Lewis, the "Black Beast," has 16 knockouts in the UFC and is a fixture in the heavyweight title picture. Will Cortes Acosta continue his winning streak, or will Lewis assert his dominance and get back into the title conversation?
Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas:
Flyweight contenders Natalia Silva and Rose Namajunas face off in a bout with title implications. Silva, undefeated in the Octagon and on a 13-fight winning streak, established herself as the top contender with a dominant win over Alexa Grasso. Namajunas, a former two-time champ, is looking to shake things up in the division. This fight promises to be a technical striking battle, with Namajunas' crisp boxing and grappling skills potentially being the x-factor.
Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva:
The first main card bout of the year features a featherweight clash between Arnold Allen and Jean Silva. Allen, a Top 15 staple, aims to defend his ranking against the Brazilian marauder Jean Silva. Both fighters have shown flashes of brilliance, but this matchup will determine who takes the next step towards a title shot. Allen's technical prowess versus Silva's ferocity and power will make for an exciting contest.
Preliminary Card Pairings
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo:
The prelims wrap up with a bantamweight showdown between recent title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Nurmagomedov looks to rebound from a loss to Merab Dvalishvili, while Figueiredo aims to build on his unanimous decision win over Montel Jackson.
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev:
Middleweight prospects Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev clash in a battle of Dana White's Contender Series graduates. Gautier, a top newcomer, has three first-round stoppage wins, while Pulyaev looks to bounce back from a loss in his promotional debut.
Nikita Krylov vs Modestas Bukauskas:
Rankings mainstay Nikita Krylov takes on the streaking Modestas Bukauskas in a light heavyweight pairing. Krylov, currently No. 13, aims to hold onto his spot, but Bukauskas has other ideas. With four straight wins, he's looking to make a statement.
Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson:
Former title challenger Alex Perez takes on Charles Johnson in a flyweight matchup. Perez, eager to break out of a slump, faces Johnson, who is on a roll with five wins in six fights.
Michael Johnson vs Alexander Hernandez:
Lightweight veterans Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez bring a combined 48 UFC appearances to the table. Johnson, a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter, is on a three-fight winning streak, while Hernandez has won four straight, including stoppages over Chase Hooper and Diego Ferreira.
Josh Hokit vs Denzel Freeman:
Heavyweight prospects Josh Hokit and Denzel Freeman collide, both aiming to build on successful debuts. Hokit, an All-American wrestler, has seven finishes in seven MMA fights, while Freeman, a USMC veteran, has a 7-1 record.
Ricky Turcios vs Cameron Smotherman:
Bantamweight fighters Ricky Turcios and Cameron Smotherman meet, both looking to start the year with a win. Turcios, a TUF winner, aims to bounce back from a 1-3 record, while Smotherman seeks to improve his 12-6 career record.
Adam Fugitt vs Ty Miller:
The 2026 campaign begins with a welterweight matchup between veteran Adam Fugitt and newcomer Ty Miller. Fugitt, despite a 2-3 record in the UFC, has faced tough competition, while Miller is undefeated in six pro starts.
Don't miss UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett, live from Las Vegas on January 24, 2026. Early prelims start at 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT, followed by the prelims at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT, and the main card live on Paramount+ at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of UFC action! Who do you think will emerge victorious in these highly anticipated matchups? Share your predictions and join the discussion in the comments!
