The UFC's first pay-per-view of 2026 delivers a blockbuster main event as Liverpool's own Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett steps into the biggest fight of his career against the hard-hitting veteran Justin Gaethje. The pair will clash for the interim UFC lightweight championship at UFC 324 this Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Road to the Interim Title Fight
This showdown represents a massive step up for Pimblett, marking his first opportunity to fight for UFC gold. The popular Scouser earned his shot by catapulting himself to fifth in the competitive lightweight rankings, a rise cemented by a devastating third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April 2025. Standing across from him will be Gaethje, a former interim champion known for his all-action style, who is looking to reclaim the belt he once held.
The creation of this interim title was necessitated by the current hiatus of the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria. The plan is for the winner of Saturday's main event to eventually face the Spanish-Georgian star to unify the belts.
Altered Card and Co-Main Event
The event suffered a significant setback with the loss of a historic women's bantamweight title fight. Champion Kayla Harrison was forced to withdraw due to injury, scrapping her planned defence against the returning legend Amanda Nunes. In its place, the co-main event will feature a compelling bantamweight contest between former champion Sean O'Malley and China's Song Yadong. O'Malley aims to rebound from a submission loss to Merab Dvalishvili, while Yadong enters off a notable technical decision win over ex-champ Henry Cejudo.
How to Watch UFC 324 in the UK
UFC 324 takes place on Saturday 24 January at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For UK fans, the action unfolds across a long night. The early preliminary fights begin at 10pm GMT. The regular prelims follow at 12am GMT on Sunday morning, with the main card then kicking off at 2am GMT on Sunday.
The event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.99. Viewers can also access the card via streaming services and platforms including Discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Sports.
Main Card Highlights:
- 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)
According to Betway, Pimblett enters as the favourite at 4/9, with Gaethje priced at 7/4. In the co-main event, O'Malley is also a 4/9 favourite against Yadong at 7/4.
