Dana White unveils blockbuster UFC 324 lineup
A new direction for UFC’s broadcast future
UFC 324 will mark a significant shift in how the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion presents its biggest events. The card, scheduled for January 24 at T,Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, will be the first numbered event of 2026 and the first to air on Paramount+ under a new partnership agreement. The broadcast shift also moves main card start times from 10 p.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET.
According to comments made by UFC president Dana White during CBS’ Thanksgiving coverage of the Chiefs, Cowboys NFL game, the new deal will include 13 numbered events throughout the year. White described the partnership as an important step in expanding the sport’s reach on a major streaming platform.
A reshaped lightweight division
The main event between Gaethje and Pimblett was made possible after current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced that he would step away temporarily due to personal matters. According to a message he shared on X, Topuria said he needed time to focus on his family and did not want to delay movement within the division.
With the champion sidelined, the UFC opted to introduce an interim title, a mechanism the organization often uses when the reigning champion cannot defend the belt for an extended period. The winner of the Gaethje, Pimblett bout is expected to face Topuria once he returns.
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Gaethje, known for his aggressive striking style, will enter the matchup after a period of inactivity, while Pimblett arrives with momentum following his stoppage victory over Michael Chandler. Both fighters carry substantial fan followings and are among the division’s most discussed personalities.
For readers unfamiliar with UFC, the lightweight division is one of the sport’s most competitive, featuring fighters weighing up to 155 pounds. Athletes like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway remain close contenders who could be in line for future opportunities depending on the result at UFC 324.
Nunes returns to title contention
The event will also feature the return of Amanda Nunes, a former two,division champion widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in mixed martial arts history. Nunes retired after defeating Julianna Peña in 2023 but reversed her decision earlier this year.
According to a statement released by the UFC, Nunes will challenge Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title in what White called “the biggest women’s fight ever.” Harrison, a former Olympic judo gold medalist, has been one of the most dominant athletes to transition into MMA.
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Additional stakes for fans and the sport
Also competing on the main card, Sean O’Malley will face Song Yadong as he attempts to rebound from two consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili. The bout is expected to play a significant role in shaping the upper tier of the bantamweight rankings.
For casual viewers and sports fans new to UFC, UFC 324 represents more than a single event. It reflects how streaming platforms are competing for live sports rights and how combat sports continue to adapt to audience habits. It also showcases a moment of transition within the lightweight division, where injuries, personal matters and rising stars continually redefine the championship picture.
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