UFC President Dana White has dropped a major fight announcement, revealing that Justin Gaethje will face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title in the main event of UFC 324 on January 24.
The surprise revelation came during the Thanksgiving Day NFL game broadcast on CBS, showcasing the stacked card that will mark the promotion's first major event of 2026.
Stacked Card for Historic Paramount+ Debut
This blockbuster event serves as the inaugural UFC pay-per-view under a new broadcasting deal, kicking off a schedule of 13 numbered events set to stream exclusively on Paramount+.
In a statement released on Thursday, an excited White declared, '(This event) kicks off this incredible partnership with Paramount. I'm so excited for UFC fans that our first card has six current and former champions, including the long-awaited return of the greatest female fighter of all time, which is undoubtedly the biggest women's fight of all time.'
Topuria's Withdrawal Creates Interim Title Opportunity
The interim title bout became necessary after reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he is taking time away from the sport to focus on a pressing family matter.
Topuria had been strongly linked to fights with either Gaethje or Pimblett before his announcement on X, where he stated: 'I will not fight in the first quarter of next year. I am going through a difficult time in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.'
He added that he didn't want to hold up the division, prompting the UFC to make the necessary matchups. This paved the way for 'The Highlight' and 'The Baddy' to clash in the octagon at the T-Mobile Arena, with the winner establishing themselves as the next contender for Topuria upon his return.
Nunes Makes Highly Anticipated Comeback
In a major co-main event attraction, UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes will make her sensational return to competition for the first time since 2023, facing Kayla Harrison for the women's bantamweight title.
Nunes initially retired after defeating Julianna Peña in June 2023 but reversed that decision earlier this year. The Brazilian legend, widely considered the greatest female fighter in UFC history, first became a double champion in 2018.
Elsewhere on the card, Sean O'Malley returns to action against Song Yadong. The popular bantamweight looks to rebound from consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili, including a third-round submission defeat in his last outing in June.
Fight fans have been eagerly awaiting Pimblett's return to the octagon following his dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler. Gaethje, meanwhile, hasn't competed since his win over Rafael Fiziev in March. Other top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway will be watching the interim title fight closely for a potential shot at the winner.
