January 24, 2026, marks a watershed moment in the history of combat sports. For the first time in over two decades, the UFC is fundamentally altering how fans consume its biggest events. The “ESPN Era” is officially over, and the Paramount+ Era has begun. With UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, the promotion kicks off a seven-year, $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount (Skydance) that promises to shatter the pay-per-view barrier that has long defined the sport.
Gone are the days of paying an additional $79.99 on top of a subscription to watch a numbered event. Under this new deal, UFC 324 and all future numbered events are included directly in your Paramount+ subscription in the United States. This shift represents a massive win for the average fan’s wallet, but it also brings a new platform, new apps, and new questions.
Whether you are a die-hard fan wondering how to stream the prelims or a casual viewer tuning in to see if Paddy “The Baddy” can survive Justin Gaethje’s violence, this guide covers everything you need to know. We will break down the new broadcast details, analyze the reshuffled fight card following Kayla Harrison’s heartbreaking injury, and provide a technical preview of the night’s biggest matchups.
The End of Pay-Per-View? Understanding the Paramount+ Deal
For years, the UFC operate on a “double-dip” model: fans needed a subscription (like ESPN+) and had to purchase the PPV separately. The new Paramount+ deal, valued at $1.1 billion annually, eliminates the separate PPV fee for domestic subscribers. This is a strategy designed to drive massive subscriber growth for Paramount+ while giving the UFC a broader, more consistent audience.
How to Stream UFC 324
If you are in the United States, the process is now significantly streamlined. You no longer need to navigate to a separate “store” page to buy the event. Here is the breakdown:
- Platform: Paramount+
- Subscription Tiers:
- Essential Plan ($8.99/mo): Includes ads for on-demand content, but live sports (like UFC 324) will still have the standard commercial breaks between rounds.
- Premium Plan ($13.99/mo): Ad-free on-demand, plus access to your local CBS station and Showtime content.
- Coverage: The subscription covers the Early Prelims, Prelims, and the Main Card. No switching apps between “ESPN” and “ESPN+” anymore—it is all on one platform.
International Viewers: The landscape varies by region. In the UK, the event will air on TNT Sports Box Office (£19.99). In Latin America and Australia, the partnership extends similar benefits via Paramount+, making the events available without an extra PPV cost.
Main Event Breakdown: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
The headliner for the interim Lightweight Championship is a clash of eras, styles, and personalities. Justin Gaethje, the former interim champion and arguably the most violent fighter in lightweight history, welcomes the brash Liverpool sensation Paddy Pimblett to the elite level.
The “Highlight” Reel vs. The Scouser
Justin Gaethje (26-5) enters this fight as the favorite, and for good reason. His resume reads like a Hall of Fame induction list: wins over Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje is a master of chaotic pressure. His leg kicks are legendary—ask anyone who has limped out of the Octagon against him. Under the tutelage of Trevor Wittman, he has refined his brawling into a calculated demolition system. He doesn’t just throw punches; he creates car crashes.
Paddy Pimblett (23-3), on the other hand, has silenced critics at every turn. After a shaky start to his UFC tenure where his chin was tested often, he showed remarkable tactical maturity in his recent run. His grappling is his equalizer. If Pimblett can drag this fight to the mat, he has a distinct advantage over Gaethje, whose wrestling is purely defensive. However, the question remains: can Paddy survive the storm on the feet long enough to secure a takedown?
Technical Analysis
- Striking: Gaethje’s power advantage is immense. He throws hooks with bad intentions and his calf kicks could immobilize Pimblett early. Paddy tends to keep his chin high—a fatal flaw against someone like Gaethje.
- Grappling: This is Paddy’s path to victory. Gaethje gave up his back to Charles Oliveira and was submitted. Paddy has a diverse submission game and transitions beautifully in scrambles.
- Cardio: Recall Gaethje’s performance against Tony Ferguson; he can maintain a high pace for five rounds. Paddy has proven his gas tank in three-rounders, but a five-round war with Gaethje is a different beast entirely.
Prediction: The smart money says Gaethje tests Paddy’s chin early. Unless Pimblett secures an early submission, the “Highlight” likely adds another TKO to his record.
Co-Main Event Shift: O’Malley vs. Yadong
The original co-main event was set to be a historic blockbuster: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes for the Bantamweight title. Unfortunately, the realities of MMA struck hard. Harrison suffered a severe neck injury requiring surgery just weeks before the fight, forcing her withdrawal. While devastating for fans who wanted to see the “GOAT vs. Gold Medalist” matchup, the replacement co-main event is an absolute banger.
Former champion Sean O'Malley steps in to face the dangerous Song Yadong. This is a striker’s delight. O’Malley is looking to rebound and prove he is still the premier 135-pounder in the world. His sniping distance management will be tested against Yadong’s explosive power boxing. Song Yadong is one of the few fighters who can match O’Malley’s speed, making this a potential “Fight of the Night” candidate.
Undercard Gems: Don’t Miss the Prelims
The depth of UFC 324 is staggering, a testament to the promotion wanting to start the Paramount+ era with a bang. One prelim bout stands out above the rest: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo.
Placing a fight of this magnitude on the prelims is a strategic move to get fans to sign up early. Umar, the undefeated cousin of Khabib, faces the former two-time Flyweight champion Figueiredo, who has looked terrifying since moving up to Bantamweight. The winner of this fight is undeniably next in line for a title shot, arguably more so than the O’Malley/Yadong winner. It is a classic “Dagestani Wrestling vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Power” matchup that hardcore fans are circling on their calendars.
Rest of the Main Card
- Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: A heavyweight slugfest. Lewis is the knockout king of the UFC. Cortes-Acosta has speed and boxing, but Lewis only needs one shot. Expect a finish.
- Rose Namajunas vs. Natalia Silva: “Thug Rose” continues her flyweight campaign against the surging Brazilian prospect Natalia Silva. This is a massive step up for Silva and a do-or-die moment for Namajunas’s title aspirations at 125 lbs.
- Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva: A featherweight barnburner. Allen is technically sound and durable, while Jean Silva has been one of the breakout stars of the last year with his chaotic aggression.
The Business of Violence: Why the Platform Shift Matters
This move to Paramount+ is not just about cheaper access; it is about the mainstream integration of MMA. By placing the UFC alongside the NFL on CBS and huge entertainment franchises on Paramount+, TKO Group Holdings is betting that casual viewers will stumble upon a fight night and stay for the action.
For the Estonian audience and European fans, this shift signals a global change in how rights are packaged. While local broadcast deals in Europe remain largely with Viaplay or similar partners depending on the country, the US model often influences future global strategies. The “subscription-only” model could eventually become the global standard, killing the traditional PPV model entirely.
The stakes for UFC 324 are incredibly high. The production quality, the server stability of Paramount+, and the pacing of the broadcast will all be under a microscope. If the stream crashes during the Gaethje vs. Pimblett main event, the backlash will be catastrophic. But if it runs smoothly, it could usher in a golden age of accessibility for the sport.
FAQ: Watching UFC 324 and the New Era
Q: Is UFC 324 really free with a Paramount+ subscription?
Yes, in the United States. There is no additional pay-per-view cost. If you have an active Paramount+ Essential or Premium subscription, you can watch the entire main card.
Q: Did Kayla Harrison retire?
No. Kayla Harrison underwent neck surgery to repair herniated discs. She is expected to be out for at least six months but has expressed a strong desire to return and reschedule the fight with Amanda Nunes.
Q: Can I still watch UFC on ESPN+?
No. The UFC’s exclusive deal with ESPN has concluded. All live UFC content in the US has moved to Paramount+ platforms. You will not find UFC 324 on ESPN+.
Q: What time does the Main Event start?
The main card kicks off at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT). The main event ring walks for Gaethje vs. Pimblett are expected around 11:30 PM ET, depending on the length of the undercard fights.
Q: How do I watch if I am traveling outside the US?
Paramount+ rights are regional. If you are in a country where Paramount+ does not hold UFC rights (like the UK or parts of Europe), you will need to use the local broadcaster (e.g., TNT Sports) or UFC Fight Pass for early prelims. Always check local listings or MMAailm.ee for the latest international broadcast updates.
