The UFC returns on Sunday for its first blockbuster card of 2026 – and it’s one worth waiting for.
In the main event, former UFC interim champion Justin Gaethje collides with rising superstar Paddy Pimblett for the UFC interim lightweight championship.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett | SUN 25 JAN 1PM AEDT | Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Ex-bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley aims to edge closer to another shot at the title as he faces Song Yadong in the co-main.
Among the heavy hitters on the card are Derrick Lewis, Jean Silva, and Deiveson Figueiredo. Then you’ve got top contenders Umar Nurmagomedov and Natalia Silva rounding out the stacked card.
HOW WILL THE MAIN EVENT PLAY OUT?
Pimblett, known more for his grappling skills than stand-up, assured Fox Sports Australia last week that he will be trading shots with ‘The Highlight’ in the centre of the Octagon this weekend.
That’s a risky proposition. Gaethje is one of the most violent men in the sport, and if Pimblett starts getting outstruck on the feet, expect the Brit to change levels and try to take it to the canvas.
WHAT ABOUT THE CO-MAIN?
Song, who has won three of his last four bouts, is an aggressive and powerful striker who will bring the fight to O’Malley for as long as it lasts.
O’Malley, who is a slick counter striker with a significant height and reach advantage, will look to punish Song as he comes in.
Song has struggled against top strikers at times – which makes this matchup a true litmus test against one of the best finishers in the division.
HOW TO WATCH
Aussie fight fans can catch all the action for UFC 324 LIVE on Main Event via Kayo.
Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.
Fox Sports Australia will also be running a live blog of the event.
WHEN IS IT?
UFC 324 takes place on Sunday 25 January Australian time at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
START TIME (All times AEDT)
The action gets underway on Sunday morning with the early prelims starting at 9am, followed by the preliminary card at 11am and main card at 1pm.
MAIN CARD
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett; Lightweight
Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong; Bantamweight
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis; Heavyweight
Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas; Women’s flyweight
Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva; Featherweight
PRELIMS
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo; Bantamweight
Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev; Middleweight
Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas; Light heavyweight
Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson; Flyweight
EARLY PRELIMS
Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez; Lightweight
Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman; Heavyweight
Rikcy Turcios vs. Cameron Smotherman; Bantamweight
Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller; Welterweight
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TALE OF THE TAPE
Justin Gaethje
Nationality: American
Age: 37
Height: 5’ 11”
Reach: 70”
Total fights: 31
Record: 26-5-0
Paddy Pimblett
Nationality: British
Age: 31
Height: 5’ 10”
Reach: 73”
Total fights: 26
Record: 23-3-0
BETTING ODDS FOR FEATURES (via TAB)
Gaethje vs. Pimblett
Gaethje $2.85 to win, $4.50 to win via KO/TKO, $6.50 via decision, $34.00 via submission
Pimblett $1.44 to win, $5.50 to win via KO/TKO, $5.50 via decision, $2.50 via submission
O’Malley vs. Yadong
O’Malley $1.48 to win, $4.00 to win via KO/TKO, $2.25 via decision, $29.00 via submission
Yadong $2.60 to win, $6.00 to win via KO/TKO, $4.25 via decision, $17.00 via submission
Salkilld talks Aussie v Aussie clash | 00:51
PREDICTIONS
Nick Walshaw: Justin Gaethje via VIOLENCE.
Of his 14 fights inside the Octagon, this real life American Psycho has not only been underdog 10 times, but undeniably thrived off that doubt. Even at 37, I’m tipping The Highlight has enough left to hand Paddy The Baddy his first UFC loss.
James Cooney: Justin Gaethje via R2 KO
Paddy surely has more ways to win this one, but I haven’t seen enough out of him against top talent. Especially big-hitters like Gaethje. I see The Highlight brutalising Paddy’s legs with low kicks and stopping him in the second with a right hand.
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