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UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett - A Night of Championship Contenders
Las Vegas, NV – January 24, 2026 – UFC 324 is set to deliver a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action, headlined by a highly anticipated interim lightweight title fight between justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The event, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena, also features a compelling co-main event between former champion Sean O’Malley and rising contender Song Yadong. Fans can watch the action unfold live on Paramount+.
Main Event: Interim Lightweight Championship – Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
The main event pits the veteran power of Justin Gaethje against the surging popularity of Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) is a former interim UFC Lightweight Champion and is known for his aggressive striking and relentless pressure.He previously held the BMF title, showcasing his willingness to engage in all-out wars. Pimblett (23-3 MMA,7-0 UFC),dubbed “The Baddy,” has quickly become a fan favorite with his charismatic personality and impressive finishing ability. This fight represents a meaningful step up in competition for Pimblett,and a win would solidify his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.
Co-Main Event: Bantamweight Bout – Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
The co-main event features a clash of styles between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong in the bantamweight division. O’Malley (18-1 MMA,10-1 UFC),the current UFC bantamweight Champion,is renowned for his striking precision and unorthodox techniques. He will be facing Song Yadong (22-6-1 MMA, 7-2-1 UFC), a dangerous and well-rounded fighter who has steadily climbed the rankings. Yadong’s aggressive approach and powerful striking make him a formidable opponent for O’Malley.
event Schedule
UFC 324’s schedule is as follows:
- Early Prelims: 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT
- prelims: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
- Main Card: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
Recent Weigh-In Drama
The UFC 324 weigh-ins were not without incident. Cameron Smotherman experienced a terrifying fall instantly after making weight for his scheduled bout against Ricky Turcios [[3]], and was afterward hospitalized. Paddy Pimblett also had a concerning moment on the scale