This weekend marks a monumental clash in the world of mixed martial arts as Liverpool's rising star, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, steps into the octagon to face the seasoned veteran, Justin Gaethje. The highly anticipated bout headlines UFC 324, with the interim lightweight championship on the line at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Main Event Showdown: Pimblett's First Title Shot
For Paddy Pimblett, this fight represents a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Having never before competed for UFC gold, the Liverpudlian has earned this opportunity through a series of impressive performances. His ascent to fifth in the lightweight rankings was cemented by a devastating third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler back in April 2025.
Standing across from him will be Justin Gaethje, a former interim champion known for his relentless pressure and knockout power. The American holds prior experience with the very belt at stake, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this championship encounter. The victor is expected to secure a unification bout against Ilia Topuria, the current undisputed lightweight champion who is currently on a break from competition.
Co-Main Event and Card Changes
The event's lineup experienced a significant alteration with the unfortunate withdrawal of a historic women's bantamweight title fight. Kayla Harrison was slated to defend her belt against the legendary Amanda Nunes, who planned a comeback from retirement. However, an injury to Harrison forced the cancellation of that marquee matchup.
Stepping into the co-main event slot is a compelling bantamweight contest between former champion Sean O'Malley and the dangerous Song Yadong. O'Malley seeks redemption after being submitted by Merab Dvalishvili in a title rematch last June. His opponent, Yadong, enters with momentum, having won three of his last four fights, including a notable technical decision victory over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
UFC 324: Essential Viewing Information
Event Schedule and Start Times
UFC 324 takes place on Saturday, 24 January 2026. The action unfolds in Las Vegas with the following broadcast schedule for UK and US viewers:
- Early Prelims: Begin at 10:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM ET on Saturday).
- Regular Prelims: Start at 12:00 AM GMT on Sunday (4:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET on Saturday).
- Main Card: Commences at 2:00 AM GMT on Sunday (6:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM CT / 9:00 PM ET on Saturday).
How to Watch the Fights
For fans in the United Kingdom, the event will be available live on TNT Sports Box Office at a pay-per-view cost of £19.99. Additional viewing platforms include Discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Sports. In the United States, the entire card will be streamed live via Paramount+.
Betting Odds and Full Fight Card
Current betting odds, provided by Betway, position Paddy Pimblett as the favourite at 4/9, with Justin Gaethje listed at 7/4. In the co-main event, Sean O'Malley is also favoured at 4/9 against Song Yadong's 7/4. It is always advisable to gamble responsibly and review the terms and conditions of any betting offers.
Complete UFC 324 Fight Card
The following bouts are scheduled, though subject to last-minute changes:
Main Card
- Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)
- Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis (Heavyweight)
- Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas (Women's Flyweight)
- Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight)
Preliminary Card
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)
- Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas (Light Heavyweight)
- Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev (Middleweight)
Early Preliminary Card
- Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson (Flyweight)
- Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman (Heavyweight)
- Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron Smotherman (Bantamweight)
- Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller (Welterweight)
With a stacked card from top to bottom, UFC 324 promises a night of high-stakes action, culminating in a pivotal lightweight clash that could redefine the division's landscape.
