LAS VEGAS, NV — The Octagon returns to the T-Mobile Arena tonight, January 24, 2026, for a monumental clash that could redefine the lightweight division. In the main event of UFC 324, Liverpool’s own Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett faces the legendary “king of violence,” Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, for the interim UFC lightweight title.
This event marks a new era for the promotion as the first major card broadcast live on Paramount+, following a historic rights deal. With the undisputed champion Ilia Topuria watching closely, the stakes have never been higher.
Tale of the Tape: The Veteran vs. The Phenomenon
| Feature | Justin Gaethje | Paddy Pimblett |
| Age | 37 | 31 |
| Record | 26-5 | 23-3 |
| Height | 5’11” (1.80m) | 5’10” (1.78m) |
| Reach | 70″ (178cm) | 73″ (185cm) |
| Rank | Former Interim Champ | No. 5 Ranked |
| Odds | +195 (Underdog) | -239 (Favorite) |
Fight Night Status: Live from T-Mobile Arena
As of this evening, the early prelims and preliminary cards are underway. The main card is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
Current Main Card Lineup:
- Main Event: Justin Gaethje (155 lbs) vs. Paddy Pimblett (154 lbs) – Interim Lightweight Title
- Co-Main Event: Sean O’Malley (135.5 lbs) vs. Song Yadong (136 lbs)
- Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (262 lbs) vs. Derrick Lewis (263.5 lbs)
- Women’s Flyweight: Natalia Silva (126 lbs) vs. Rose Namajunas (125.5 lbs)
- Featherweight: Arnold Allen (145.5 lbs) vs. Jean Silva (146 lbs)
The Stakes: A Path to Topuria
The winner of tonight’s main event will not only walk away with the interim belt but will also secure a guaranteed unification bout against the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria, who is currently on a hiatus from the sport.
Pre-Fight Betting Recap:
- Paddy Pimblett (-239 favorite): The betting markets have heavily favored the younger “Baddy,” citing his grappling advantage and his recent dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April 2025.
- Justin Gaethje (+195 underdog): Despite being the underdog, the 37-year-old Gaethje remains the most dangerous veteran in the division, looking to prove that his “king of violence” era isn’t over yet.
How to Watch
If you aren’t at the T-Mobile Arena, you can catch the main card exclusively on Paramount+. The streaming service is the new home for UFC’s numbered events in 2026.
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