LAS VEGAS (Azat TV) – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ushers in a new era tonight with UFC 324: “Gaethje vs. Pimblett” at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is headlined by an interim Lightweight title fight between veteran knockout artist Justin Gaethje and rising star Paddy Pimblett, and notably marks the debut of UFC content exclusively on Paramount+ following a landmark multi-billion dollar streaming deal, effectively ending the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model for subscribers.
Paramount+ Deal Reshapes UFC Access
The most significant development surrounding UFC 324 is the promotion’s new media rights agreement with Paramount+. This monumental $7.7 billion deal, spanning seven years from January 1, 2026, through 2033, makes Paramount+ the exclusive home for all numbered UFC events and Fight Nights. For fans, this means an end to separate PPV purchases, as all marquee events are now included with a standard Paramount+ subscription, which starts at $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually. The new arrangement aims to make UFC more accessible than ever, offering subscribers not only live fights but also a vast library of past events, exclusive interviews, and expert analysis.
UFC 324 kicks off the Paramount+ era with early prelims beginning at 5 p.m. ET, followed by late prelims at 7 p.m. ET, and the main card commencing at 9 p.m. ET. This new streaming model is expected to be a game-changer for the sport’s reach and fan engagement.
Gaethje vs. Pimblett: Interim Lightweight Gold on the Line
The main event features Justin Gaethje, a former interim champion and BMF titleholder, facing the undefeated-in-UFC Paddy Pimblett for the interim Lightweight championship. This bout was necessitated by the temporary hiatus of division champion Ilia Topuria, who is dealing with personal issues. The winner will earn the right to face Topuria later this year for the undisputed title.
Gaethje, 37, has a storied career, known for his aggressive style and knockout power. He previously held interim gold in 2020 and earned the ‘BMF’ title by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Despite two previous unsuccessful bids for the undisputed strap against Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gaethje sees this as potentially his final chance, especially amid recent talks of retirement and public disagreements with UFC brass over fighter pay. Many experts, including three out of five from CBS Sports, predict a Pimblett victory, citing his evolving skills, speed, and length advantage. However, two experts still favor Gaethje, with one predicting a TKO finish.
Pimblett, 31, enters the fight with a perfect 7-0 record inside the Octagon, with five finishes. While some have questioned his fast-tracked title shot given his strength of schedule, his undeniable star power and promotional push make this a significant opportunity. A win would validate the UFC’s investment in ‘The Baddy’ as a potential superstar, while a loss could be excused as ‘too soon’ for the young talent.
Co-Main Event and Other Key Bouts
The co-main event promises fireworks as former Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley takes on Song Yadong. O’Malley, a fan favorite, is looking to rebound from consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili and re-enter the title picture. Yadong, 3-1 in his last four fights, has a significant opportunity to leapfrog contenders by defeating a former champion. CBS Sports experts largely favor O’Malley to win by unanimous decision, with one outlier picking Yadong via TKO.
The card also features several other compelling matchups: Rose Namajunas, a former Strawweight champion, faces Natalia Silva in a women’s Flyweight bout, with Silva replacing an injured Alexa Grasso. Silva is on a 13-fight win streak, including seven in the UFC. Heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Waldo Cortes-Acosta clash, with Cortes-Acosta seen by some as a rising threat. Additionally, Umar Nurmagomedov, looking to rebound from a title shot loss, takes on former Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a pivotal Bantamweight contest. Figueiredo notably missed weight by over two pounds for this fight, forfeiting a portion of his purse.
Card Changes and Notable Debuts
UFC 324 has seen several significant changes to its initial lineup. The highly anticipated women’s Bantamweight title defense between champion Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes was canceled due to Harrison’s neck injury, which required surgery and will keep her out for much of 2026. Another preliminary bout between Ricky Turcios and Cameron Smotherman was scratched after Smotherman fainted after weighing in, though he is reportedly recovering well.
The event also introduces new talent, including Ty Miller, an undefeated prospect (6-0-1) making his UFC debut after earning a contract on the Contender Series. He faces Adam Fugitt in a Welterweight clash. Other intriguing prelims include Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez in a Lightweight affair, Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman in Heavyweight action, and Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev in a Middleweight showdown, with Gautier being a highly touted prospect.
The transition to Paramount+ marks a pivotal moment for the UFC, potentially expanding its audience significantly by removing the pay-per-view barrier for subscribers, though some observers ponder whether this new model might lead to a more dispersed talent pool across fight cards throughout the year.