Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett Set for Explosive Interim Lightweight Title Conflict at UFC 324

The UFC is kicking off its new period with a blockbuster matchup, as Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett headlines UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White throughout an NFL broadcast, the stage is now set for this most-awaited interim light-weight title battle to open the upcoming new 12 months with a bang.

UFC 324 Explores New Era on Paramount+

According to CBS Sports, the occasion marks the primary beneath the UFC’s new home broadcast cope with Paramount+, and the primary card is slated for 9 p.m. ET with a variety of the promotion’s greatest stars in motion.

Ilia Topuria stays the undisputed light-weight champion, however the UFC launched an interim title after Topuria introduced he wanted time away to deal with private issues and his household.

Topuria emotionally mentioned that he didn’t wish to maintain up the division and can be again when he felt he may battle at championship ranges as soon as extra.

Justin Gaethje’s Last Shot at Lightweight Gold

Veteran contender Justin Gaethje, 26-5, returns to the Octagon for the primary time since beating Rafael Fiziev by choice in March. At 37, Gaethje hinted at retirement except he secured one other title opportunity-something the UFC has now delivered.

Gaethje’s highway to UFC 324 has been something however clean. Earning his title shot with a knockout of Dustin Poirier earlier in 2023, he then rolled the cube by accepting a BMF bout in opposition to Max Holloway at UFC 300. That gamble backfired in essentially the most violent potential approach as he suffered a devastating fifth-round knockout loss. Gaethje comes into UFC 324 nonetheless trying to regain his championship momentum.

He is not any stranger to interim gold, having captured the interim light-weight belt in 2020 with a dominant end of Tony Ferguson earlier than falling brief in a unification bout in opposition to Khabib Nurmagomedov later that 12 months.

Paddy Pimblett’s Rise Is Unstoppable

Since he signed in 2021, Paddy Pimblett, 23-3, has grown into one of many greatest stars within the UFC. The charismatic Liverpool native is an ideal 7-0 contained in the UFC Octagon, with wins over Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler.

Still solely 30 years previous, Pimblett has surged by way of the rankings within the extremely aggressive featherweight division and now finds himself getting ready to championship glory. A win at UFC 324 would earn him the interim belt and arrange a large unification battle in opposition to Topuria later within the 12 months.

Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes

UFC 324 additionally brings a monumental co-main occasion within the type of a ladies’s bantamweight title protection as Kayla Harrison (19-1) defends in opposition to returning legend Amanda Nunes (23-5). Nunes steps out of retirement for the primary time since June 2023.

Stacked Card Featuring Former Champions

According to Variety, Dana White has confirmed a number of former champions and high contenders for the UFC 324 important card, together with:

• Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
• Alexa Grasso (16-5-1) vs. Rose Namajunas (15-7)
• Derrick Lewis (29-12) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2)
• Arnold Allen (20-3) vs. Jean Silva (16-3)