Get ready for a fight card that’s stacking up to be one of the most star-studded in recent memory—because UFC 324 is pulling out all the stops for its highly anticipated debut on Paramount+. But here’s where it gets controversial: can this lineup truly live up to the hype, or is it all just smoke and mirrors? Let’s dive in.
As the UFC bids farewell to ESPN and kicks off a new era on Paramount+, the promotion is starting 2026 with a bang. On January 24, Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena will host UFC 324, a card headlined by not one but two title fights. Amanda Nunes, the legendary bantamweight queen, returns to challenge Kayla Harrison for the gold, while Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje clash in an interim lightweight title bout. And this is the part most people miss: this event isn’t just about the headliners—it’s a showcase of MMA’s deepest talent pool, with a staggering number of former champions and title challengers on the roster.
The latest addition? Flyweight veteran Alex Perez, who becomes the tenth fighter with championship experience to join the card. Perez, ranked No. 11, is no stranger to high-stakes battles, having faced Deiveson Figueiredo in a title fight at UFC 255 five years ago. Despite a recent rough patch—losing four of his last five fights—Perez is determined to prove he’s still a force in the division. He’ll face Charles Johnson, the No. 13-ranked contender, who’s earned a reputation as a ‘prospect killer’ after knocking out Lone’er Kavanagh in his last outing. Bold prediction: a win here could catapult Johnson into the flyweight top 10, but can Perez spoil the party?
The rest of the card is equally stacked. Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, heavyweight knockout artist Derrick Lewis, and ex-flyweight champ Figueiredo are just a few of the big names set to step into the Octagon. Not to mention the highly anticipated rematch between Rose Namajunas and Alexa Grasso, and Umar Nurmagomedov’s showdown with Figueiredo. But here’s the real question: with so much talent on one card, who will steal the show?
Before UFC 324 takes center stage, the flyweight division will be on full display this Saturday at UFC 323, where Alexandre Pantoja defends his title against the surging Joshua Van. Van, riding a five-fight win streak, earned his shot by defeating Bruno Silva and Brandon Royval earlier this year. Will he dethrone ‘The Cannibal,’ or will Pantoja solidify his dominance?
As the UFC transitions to Paramount+, the stakes have never been higher. Does this card live up to the hype, or is it all just marketing magic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And while you’re at it, rate UFC 324 out of 10—we want to hear from you!
Fight Card Highlights:
- Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje (interim lightweight title)
- Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes (bantamweight title)
- Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
- Derrick Lewis vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta
- Rose Namajunas vs Alexa Grasso
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo
- Alex Perez vs Charles Johnson
- And more!
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