Key Highlights
- Amanda Nunes returns from retirement for the co-main event of UFC 324 against Kayla Harrison.
- The main card will feature a rematch between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
- UFC 324 takes place on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with multiple championship belts up for grabs.
- Nunes holds the distinction of being the only women’s “double-champ” in UFC history, having held both the bantamweight and featherweight titles.
The MMA Scene Heats Up: UFC 324 Lineup Revealed
UFC has announced a stacked lineup for its first major event of the year on Paramount+, marking an exciting chapter in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. Set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24, 2026, UFC 324 will feature a mix of high-profile bouts and championship title matches.
Co-main Event: Nunes vs. Harrison
Amanda Nunes, the UFC Hall of Famer, is making a historic return to action against Kayla Harrison in what promises to be a thrilling women’s bantamweight title bout. This matchup was teased back in June when the two fighters met after Harrison’s victory over Julianna Peña. The event marks the end of Nunes’ retirement and her return as one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history.
Nunes, known for her dominant reign as the first woman to hold both the bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously, has not fought since defeating Irene Aldana in 2023.
Her last title defense was a significant moment in UFC lore, solidifying her legacy. Facing Harrison, who is undefeated at 19-1, will be a test of Nunes’ resilience and fighting prowess.
Main Event: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
The main event of the card features Justin Gaethje and Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a title eliminator for the interim lightweight championship. Both fighters come into this bout with impressive records, Gaethje riding a nine-fight win streak and Pimblett boasting seven knockouts or submissions within his last nine fights.
Recent history shows that Gaethje has faced some of the toughest opponents in MMA, including a loss to Max Holloway and a knockout victory over Dustin Poirier. Meanwhile, Pimblett’s recent performances indicate he is a formidable challenger, with a third-round TKO win against Michael Chandler just months ago.
UFC’s New Media Deal
The announcement of UFC 324 comes alongside the launch of its new media partnership with Paramount+. This deal marks a significant shift for the promotion, as all future events will now be streamed on Paramount+, eliminating the need for pay-per-view purchases. UFC president Dana White is enthusiastic about this change, stating that it will provide fans with more accessible content.
“I am so excited for UFC fans that our first card has six current and former champions, including the long-awaited return of the greatest female fighter of all time – which is definitely the biggest women’s fight ever,” said White. “Also, in the main event we have Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title to see who will face Ilia Topuria later this year on Paramount+.
This card is absolutely stacked — every fight is a must-see.”
UFC 324 promises to deliver exactly what fans are craving, combining high-stakes championship bouts with familiar faces from the MMA world. With the addition of Sean O’Malley and Rose Namajunas in the lineup, the card is set to be a memorable event for all UFC enthusiasts.
Stay tuned as we count down to this pivotal moment in MMA history, where legends like Amanda Nunes will face new challenges and up-and-coming stars like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje make their mark on the sport.
