The UFC begins its new collaboration with Paramount by presenting UFC 324 at T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24. Dana White revealed the headlining fights during a national broadcast, confirming an interim lightweight championship bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, along with a bantamweight title fight featuring Kayla Harrison and the returning Amanda Nunes.
This event is the first in a lineup of 13 numbered cards planned under the Paramount structure for 2026, making UFC 324 the launch point for the partnership.
Ilia Topuria remains the reigning lightweight champion. However, he informed fans and officials that his personal situation requires time away from active competition. His explanation clarified why a temporary championship was created.
“I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.
I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved I’ll let the UFC know I’m ready to begin my return.”
I won’t be fighting in the first quarter of next year. I’m going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.
I don’t want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon…— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 27, 2025
The interim title will crown a placeholder champion until Topuria is ready to defend his belt later in 2026.
Spotlight on Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje enters UFC 324 with a 26-5 record. His most recent performance came at UFC 313, where he defeated Rafael Fiziev in a bout that earned Fight of the Night recognition. Before returning to the win column, Gaethje lost the BMF title to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Gaethje previously stated that he intended to wait for a direct title shot following Topuria’s win over Charles Oliveira. With the champion unavailable, the opportunity for an interim title brings Gaethje back into action earlier than expected.
Paddy Pimblett’s Rise to the Main Event
Paddy Pimblett arrives with a 23-3 record and significant momentum. His dominant victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 strengthened his position among top lightweight contenders. Weeks later, Pimblett confronted Ilia Topuria after UFC 317, renewing their rivalry.
Pimblett also carries earlier wins over Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green, contributing to his rapid climb. UFC 324 marks the biggest assignment of his career, as a win positions him for a unification fight with Topuria.
🚨 STARTING OFF THE YEAR RIGHT 🚨
The first card of 2026 is STACKED!
Watch #UFC324 LIVE January 24 on @ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/ZwG25pNteL
— UFC (@ufc) November 27, 2025
Bantamweight Title Story: Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes
Kayla Harrison holds the bantamweight championship with a 19-1 record. Her title winning performance at UFC 316, where she submitted Julianna Pena, demonstrated her dominance. Once crowned, Harrison called Amanda Nunes into the cage, which immediately set the tone for this matchup.
Amanda Nunes returns with a 23 5 record. Her last appearance occurred at UFC 289, where she defeated Irene Aldana and placed both of her titles on the canvas before announcing her retirement. Nunes now attempts to reclaim the belt she voluntarily left behind, establishing one of the sport’s most noteworthy comebacks.
Featured Bantamweight Bout: Sean O Malley vs Song Yadong
Sean O Malley returns with an 18-3, 1 NC record. His recent schedule includes back to back losses to Merab Dvalishvili. The first loss came by decision during Noche UFC, and the second came by third round submission at UFC 316.
Song Yadong enters with a 22 8 1, 1 NC record. His last appearance resulted in a technical decision win over Henry Cejudo after an accidental eye poke ended the contest. The fight was competitive before the stoppage, strengthening Song’s ranking within the division.
Dana White announced further matchups on Instagram Live, rounding out the event with several former champions.
Alexa Grasso vs Rose Namajunas
Alexa Grasso, who stands at 16 5 1, faces Rose Namajunas, who brings a 14 7 record. Grasso seeks to recover from losing her flyweight title to Valentina Shevchenko followed by a decision loss at UFC 315 to Natalia Silva. Namajunas has adjusted well to the 125 pound division and is 3 1 since moving up.
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Deiveson Figueiredo, holding a 25 5 1 record, meets Umar Nurmagomedov, who stands at 19 1. Nurmagomedov recently rebounded from his loss to Merab Dvalishvili by beating Mario Bautista.
ANOTHER BIG ONE AT BANTAMWEIGHT 👀@UNmgdv vs @Daico_Deiveson
Watch #UFC324 LIVE January 24 on @ParamountPlus! pic.twitter.com/EWKw7wdIzI
— UFC (@ufc) November 27, 2025
Other Bouts
The remaining contests include
• Derrick Lewis vs Waldo Cortes Acosta at heavyweight
• Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva at featherweight
• Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev at middleweight
Former champs collide 👀@AlexaGrasso vs @RoseNamajunas
Watch #UFC324 LIVE January 24 on @ParamountPlus! pic.twitter.com/iyMy0gjfj2
— UFC (@ufc) November 27, 2025
